3rd April 2025

Pavel Andreev for FaktorMK: 'There is nothing shameful in asking for help – on the contrary!

In an interview with the Macedonian media outlet FaktorMK (english translation of the interview is provided below), the founder of PavelAndreevORG, Mr. Pavel Andreev, revealed how the platform is establishing itself as a powerful tool for raising funds for those in need. He emphasized that the main mission is to build trust and transparency, with every campaign being thoroughly vetted.

Mr. Andreev shared that the platform has left a significant positive impact in North Macedonia, helping many people raise funds for medical treatment and social initiatives. He cited the campaign for Victor, which united thousands of people and raised 100,000 euros for treatment, as an example.

In the interview, Mr. Andreev identified himself as a social entrepreneur whose goal is to solve a significant social problem. He emphasized that the platform is built on a sustainable model that allows for growth and expansion.

Mr. Andreev called for a change in the culture of giving, stressing that organizations have a responsibility to work professionally and transparently. He offered advice to people in need, encouraging them to overcome shame and seek support. He highlighted that key factors for a successful campaign are high-quality photos and detailed information about the case.

In conclusion, Mr. Andreev wished the readers health and inspiration, as well as to find a cause that inspires them.

English transcription:

In a world where kindness and empathy are more important than ever, the platform PavelAndreevORG establishes itself as a reliable partner for those who need help and for donors who want to make a difference. With zero fees on donations, 24/7 support, secure and modern payment methods, the platform offers not only an effective way to raise funds but also builds a community united around the causes and campaigns of those in need.

Today, we will talk with the founder of PavelAndreevORG to understand how the platform works and what lies behind its success.

Mr. Andreev, what positive "footprint" have you left so far in North Macedonia through the platform?

In less than a year, the platform has managed to support numerous causes in North Macedonia, helping people in need raise funds for treatment and social initiatives. The biggest "footprint" is the trust we are building - both among donors and those in need. I believe that transparency and my personal advocacy for the causes give people confidence that donations reach the right places, in addition to all the checks we do on the authenticity of each campaign. Every successful campaign is another step towards a stronger and more sustainable culture of giving.

One of the most striking examples of the footprint we are leaving in North Macedonia is the story of Victor. His campaign united thousands of Macedonians who gave him a hand in his most difficult moment. Within 2-3 days, 100,000 euros were raised, giving him a chance at life and the opportunity to go for treatment in Turkey. This was not just a donation campaign but a symbol of human kindness and solidarity. Stories like these show us that the platform really has meaning - it gives hope and builds a community of people willing to help.

Do you see yourself as a social entrepreneur?

Yes, I see myself as a social entrepreneur. I strive not just to build a successful platform but to solve a significant social problem - raising funds for campaigns, causes, and medical treatment. The fact that the model is financially sustainable makes it social entrepreneurship.

Pavelandreev.org started as a cause - without a business model, without a scaling strategy. But to continue to exist and help even more people, we had to build a sustainable model that would allow us to grow beyond the borders of one country.

What should change in society as a whole to make giving something natural, not an act that awaits major holidays or tragedy/disaster?

Society is not what needs to change - the responsibility is on us, the organizations. By working professionally and reaching a wide audience, we showcase campaigns and engage people. Causes are constant, but it is our job to prove that we are reliable, stable, and capable not only of raising funds but also of managing them properly and transparently. This requires huge effort from organizations. If donors appreciate our work, they will make their donations.

Mr. Andreev, you say that "if you have a thought you wake up and go to sleep with, you should realize it." What was that thought for you before, and what is it now?

Before creating the platform, my main thought was the internal need to develop a social project - not by force, not at any cost, but completely organically. That's how it happened! Today, when I'm already doing it, the thought I go to sleep and wake up with is how the positive footprint I leave in several countries, hopefully including North Macedonia, can reach the whole world. That's my driving force - to expand the impact of my cause!

What is the mission of the platform in North Macedonia?

My mission in North Macedonia is identical to that everywhere - to build the most empathetic local community with which we can jointly implement fundraising campaigns for the treatment of people in need. In parallel, I want to show Macedonians that giving can be organized professionally, correctly, and completely transparently!

What percentage of campaigns fail to raise enough funds?

In different countries, our audience is developed to different scales. In places where it is strong - as I hope it will be in North Macedonia - our main goal is that no treatment campaign is underfunded. This means that everyone who starts a campaign with us must raise the necessary funds and the beneficiary must proceed with their treatment.

Often, treatment can last from several months to two years - then interest in the campaign and the number of donors decrease. Despite this, we strive to raise the funds so that people do not remain without treatment due to lack of financial support.

Why do some campaigns raise hundreds of thousands of euros, while others fail?

As we discussed in the previous question, we strive to build large, local, and engaged audiences so that no campaigns remain underfunded. However, there are key elements without which we cannot successfully implement a campaign on the platform. One is the presence of high-quality, authentic photos, and the other is detailed and comprehensive information about the case. When the beneficiary is presented in a real environment, it builds trust among donors and increases the chances of successfully raising the necessary funds.

What advice would you give to someone who needs help but hesitates or is afraid to seek it?

I know both people in need and the psychology of donors well, and one important conclusion stands out - the shame of asking for help is often a prejudice, not a real problem. Seeking support is not a weakness but courage - it means you are ready to reveal yourself to others and accept help. There is nothing shameful in asking for help - on the contrary!

What would you wish for the readers of our media?

First, I want to thank them for their contribution and trust! I wish them health and inspiration, and to find a cause that inspires them. Let them put their heart and effort into it, because I truly believe that "every cause is worth it" - one way or another!