Belgrade, March 23, 2024 – The Trag Foundation has once again placed the champions of giving in the
spotlight, proudly announcing the recipients of the prestigious VIRTUS Philanthropy Award for the 17th
consecutive time. These exceptional individuals, companies, and enterprises have distinguished
themselves through their dedication to improving communities through giving, inspiring many others to
follow in their altruistic footsteps.
The awards were presented to the recipients by prominent guests, including John Ginkel, Deputy Chief
of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Serbia, Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to
Serbia, Dominic Otway, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Serbia, and Ida Prester, singer-
songwriter, activist, and ambassador of this year’s VIRTUS thematic focus award category.
In the category of corporate philanthropy, the company MK Group from Belgrade stood out, while Homa
Fine Dining & Bistrot from Belgrade won the award in the category for small and medium enterprises.
DP Zaliv d.o.o. from Crvenka was recognized for outstanding long-term partnership between the
business and civil sectors. Miroslav Đorđević from Novi Sad was acknowledged for his individual
philanthropic contribution, while Andrea Ćirić from Kraljevo was awarded for her selfless contribution in
the category for the youngest philanthropists. The company Vega IT from Novi Sad received the
Thematic Focus Award for corporate contribution to the empowerment of girls and women, while
Jovana Ružičić from Belgrade was recognized for her individual contribution in this field.
Special awards were given to Miodrag Kostić for his contribution to endowment, Slobodan Majstorac for
his exceptional humanity, Nina Ninković for her tireless promotion of philanthropy, and Ana Veljković for
her contribution to the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship.
For 25 exceptional years, the Trag Foundation has been advocating the spirit of giving, nurturing a
culture of philanthropy that drives positive changes in society. By awarding these outstanding
individuals, enterprises, and companies, the foundation inspires us all to build stronger, more
compassionate communities.
Individual Contributions
Andrea Ćirić: The Journey from Birthday Party to Humanitarian Mission
Andrea Ćirić, born in Kraljevo, is 27 years old and lives and works in Belgrade. Her philanthropic work
began four years ago with the organization of a humanitarian birthday party. Instead of traditional gifts,
Andrea invited her guests to donate money where it was most needed. Through her selfless actions,
Andrea has achieved multiple goals – she has provided direct benefits to people with autism,
encouraged the active involvement of the wider community in philanthropic activities, and supported
socially vulnerable groups of citizens, creating a positive impact on the local community.
Vega IT: Supporting Women in the IT Industry
Through its commitment to socially responsible initiatives, the company Vega IT from Novi Sad
highlights its dedication to supporting women in engineering positions and promoting gender equality
within the IT industry. The initiative “Women in Engineering,” conducted during 2023, represents one
step towards achieving these goals.
Jovana Ružičić: Director and Founder of the Center for Moms
Jovana Ružičić from Belgrade is the director and founder of the Center for Moms in Belgrade, and
through her work, she makes an exceptional contribution to empowering women and mothers across
the country.
Special Awards:
Special Award for Contribution to Endowment
Miodrag Kostić: A Philanthropist Focused on Science and Youth
Miodrag Kostić, president and founder of the company MK Group, is not only a successful entrepreneur
but also a dedicated philanthropist with a focus on supporting children and youth. This engagement
inspired the founding of the Miodrag Kostić Endowment, which opened the Palace of Science, the first
center for research and popularization of science in Serbia, and the largest in the region.
Special Award for Contribution to the Promotion of Philanthropy
Nina Ninković, a brave twelve-year-old girl from Novi Sad, has recently become a beacon of inspiration
for young people across the country. With the support of her mother and grandmother, Nina started
selling donuts in Adice with the selfless intention of raising funds for her father’s treatment abroad. This
unusual humanitarian effort quickly attracted public attention, transforming their stand into an
epicenter of solidarity.
Thanks to the generosity of individuals and community support, the campaign successfully raised nearly
13,000 euros, which was necessary for her father’s therapy. This example of courage and selflessness
not only touched the hearts of people across Serbia but also served as inspiration for similar initiatives in
the region.
Nina Ninković did not stop after the success of her first campaign. She continued her selfless endeavor in
humanitarian activities, actively participating in fundraising to build a house for a family with eight
children.
Nina is a living testament to the power an individual can have in creating positive change in the world
around them. Her exceptional contribution to the promotion of philanthropy deserves deep respect and
recognition.
Her example is a reminder that each of us, regardless of age, can be an agent of positive change,
spreading hope and love in our community.
Special Award for Exceptional Humanity
Slobodan Majstorac: Sales Representative with a Big Heart
Novi Sad, March 24, 2024 – Slobodan Majstorac, a sales representative from Novi Sad, has distinguished
himself as a dedicated humanitarian with a big heart, earning the Special Award for Exceptional
Humanity. His long-term volunteer engagement with the animal protection organization “Spas” and
active contribution to humanitarian events have drawn attention and recognition.
In June of last year, faced with the tragic explosion of a gas bottle at the Novi Sad pizzeria “Savocca,”
Slobodan displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness. He donated skin from both thighs to the
injured young man, Nikola Zlatković. Although Nikola, unfortunately, did not survive, Slobodan remained
in contact with his family, providing them with support and compassion during difficult times.
In addition to this heroic act, Slobodan has organized numerous humanitarian events aimed at raising
funds to help children and adults, providing them with essential medicines and food. His efforts have
resulted in raising around 200,000 dinars for these purposes.
Slobodan Majstorac has become a symbol of solidarity and care for the community, inspiring many with
his selfless actions. His dedication to humanitarian work has deservedly been recognized and rewarded,
and his example motivates others to follow the same path. The Award for Exceptional Humanity is given
to individuals who make outstanding contributions to humanitarian goals and provide hope and support
to those who need it most. Slobodan Majstorac has become part of this inspirational story, leaving a
deep and lasting impact on the hearts of many.