Zagreb (IKA) — In the Croatian Caritas humanitarian Christmas campaign, For 1,000 Joys, a total of 1,548,989.32 kunas was collected from donations by Croatian companies (887,056.82 kunas), via the telephone number 060 801 801 (608,932.50 kunas) and the telephone number 060 600 800 (53,000 kunas). Prior to the end of 2003, funds were sent for the assistance of 500 of the most needy families in the amount of 887,056.82 kunas via the diocesan branches of Caritas (from the total amount of 1,548,989.32 kunas) and another 230 families received food assistance, basic necessities and building materials for finishing objects due to very difficult living conditions valued at 425,000 kunas, owing to the donations from various companies. Five rooms with 10 beds were built over the parish rectory of St. Barbara within the Rebro Clinical Hospital for the lodging of the neediest citizens in the first phase of adaptation, which cost 55,000 kunas, so that the total value of the assistance is 2,028,989.32 kunas.

By the end of January, it is expected that remaining assistance in the amount of 339,475 kunas will be received from companies, according to signed contracts, as well as a donation from Croatian Telecommunications (relinquishing their profits of 50% on the amount of 608,932.50 kunas), in order to provide assistance to the remaining families. Sixty one domestic companies participated in the For 1,000 Joys Campaign, including media sponsors.

The campaign ended on December 31, by which date the humanitarian telephone number 060 801 801 was dialed 166,375 times.

In late January or early February, a final press conference will be held to present all the data on the receipt and distribution of the campaign funds.