27. travnja 2025

Interview of Pavel Andreev for the Macedonian media outlet Zenskimagazin.mk.

Pavel Andreev was interviewed by the Macedonian media outlet Zenskimagazin.mk.
🔗 Read the interview here. You can find the English version just a few lines below 👇

Summary:
The interview addresses the important topic that donation is not just financial support, but an expression of culture, attitude, and personal responsibility. In this conversation with Pavel Andreev, founder of the PavelAndreev.ORG platform – it's about how an initiative can build trust, ensure security, and inspire. The challenges facing online donation campaigns, the need for transparency, and the dedication of people in the Republic of North Macedonia to these campaigns are discussed. Pavel shares not only what he does, but also why he does it - with the belief that "every cause is worthwhile" and that every support is a step towards a more empathetic and supportive society.

Full Interview:

Title: PavelAndreev.ORG - The path of a cause that unites donors from different countries.

Donation is not just financial support - it is culture, cause, and personal example. In today's world, fundraising platforms play a crucial role in helping people in need, but they also raise important questions - how is transparency ensured, how are frauds combated, and to what extent is donation a personal or state responsibility?
Today, we talk with Pavel Andreev - the person behind the PavelAndreev.ORG platform, which is gaining popularity in North Macedonia. In the interview, he shares how the platform works, how security is ensured for donors and campaign organizers, and why Macedonians are an impressive example of compassion and empathy!

Mr. Andreev, tell us more about yourself, your journey, experience, and motivation to help others, including in Macedonia? What is your main driver?

Leaving a positive imprint - that's my driver!
When I created the first version of the platform, it was intended for friends and family - imagine something like a small circle of trust where people could support various causes. But over time, more and more people started writing to me, seeking help in organizing campaigns. At that moment, I realized that what started as a personal initiative could turn into something much bigger - a cause, a social project that would change and save lives.
It was time for a difficult choice: to stay in my secure profession as a civil engineer or to dedicate myself entirely to the platform and the people who relied on it. The decision was not easy. But with each successful campaign, with each gratitude and positive feedback, I realized I was going in the right direction.
In the beginning, I didn't understand marketing, software development, or campaign organization. But when the cause drives you, you learn everything necessary along the way.
Today I know that was the best decision in my life - because I see the real imprint we leave in different countries and societies. I see how people unite, how donation becomes a bridge between them. And there is no greater satisfaction than that.

Donors want to be sure that their money will be used correctly. What guarantees do you give them that their donations go to the right place and are used effectively for medical treatment?

Donations on our platform are processed through the most modern and secure payment processors, which guarantees reliability and transparency.
In medical campaigns, we actively engage an established audience to raise funds for those in need. All collected donations are transferred directly to hospital facilities, without passing through personal accounts. Campaign approval includes a conversation with the organizer, providing medical documentation, and, if possible, because not all diseases have this option - a hospital offer - a sign that treatment is planned.
In non-medical campaigns, the platform works as a software service - anyone can create a campaign, but it is not promoted among our audience, as we cannot guarantee the use of funds. The organizer builds their own audience. However, we collect basic data on organizers, as well as identity verification through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. If necessary, we can assist investigative authorities by providing this information. If someone abuses, we have data on the specific person who is legally responsible for their actions. This allows us to ensure security, transparency, and trust in the platform.

This process ensures maximum security and transparency, guaranteeing that donated funds reach real causes.
How do you encourage a culture of donation through the platform, which will be a permanent choice, not a random or single action?

I constantly and persistently strive to build large audiences, because I believe that together we can change destinies. The platform bears my name, and for me, this means it is my life's work. Not just a project or a job, but a cause that drives me every day. I know it sounds grand, but that's how I feel. It's not just work - it's my mission.
With personal example and dedication, I try to encourage a culture of giving. I believe that when people see real commitment and transparency, they are more likely to join and help.

What message would you send to all the people who wonder whether to donate?

Donation is not just a gesture to someone in need - it is an investment in society, humanity, in solidarity, in the idea that goodness returns.
Let's look at things from another perspective: no one is immune! Today you wonder whether to donate, and tomorrow you might be in a situation where people are raising funds for you or someone close to you. It is then that you realize how important it is to have an established culture of donation, of support, of mutual assistance.Donating brings satisfaction - not only because you help someone, but also because you become part of a socially significant cause. Part of a community that doesn't pass by its fellow citizens, but acts.

When will you say "I succeeded," "I achieved my goal"? What needs to happen for you to feel completely satisfied with your mission?

Good question, thank you! I've been thinking about it for a while. The goal of the platform is to reach all 195 countries in the world. Yes, it sounds ambitious, even almost impossible, but that's what inspires me and keeps the spark in me alive!
Although even now I can say "I succeeded" - the platform is recognizable, many people know about it and my work. But to feel that I have truly achieved my goal, I think it will be enough to operate actively in 30-40 countries. This would mean that the built model works even more extensively and sustainably, and this is the biggest challenge.
Are there already successful campaigns in North Macedonia that you would like to share with our readers?
Currently, we have about 50 active campaigns, some of which have already been successfully completed, and the treatment of those in need is ongoing. In the nine months since our platform has been operating in North Macedonia, we have raised 450,000 euros - funds donated by Macedonians for Macedonian causes.
One of the most impactful stories is that of Victor - a young man, husband, and father of a 4-month-old baby. His campaign managed to raise nearly 100,000 euros in just 2-3 days. He is currently undergoing treatment.

How would you respond to people who believe that caring for those in need is entirely the responsibility of the state, not society?

These people have their reasons, and I somewhat agree with them. In an ideal world, the social system should be strong enough so that people do not have to seek help through donations. But the reality is different - foundations, NGOs, and donation platforms exist because they fill gaps left by state policies - regardless of the country.
It is no coincidence that in the Balkans, funds are often raised for medical emergencies. This is a clear signal that the healthcare system is not always able to provide the necessary treatment. At the same time, even in countries with well-functioning healthcare, donation is an important part of public life - but there the focus is on other social causes.
In the end, the question is not "whose job is charity," but whether we are willing to remain indifferent. Hunger, disease, poverty - all this exists, regardless of policies. And when we face a person in need, the answer cannot be "it's not my job" - at least in my opinion.

How can people help who do not have the financial means to donate? Does your platform offer alternative ways to support?

Even without financial means, everyone can be part of a campaign. The simplest but extremely valuable way is sharing campaigns on social media. One share can reach people who have the opportunity to help, and thus attract more donations than one person could give alone. Promotion is key - a campaign becomes successful when it reaches the right people. If someone wonders whether to donate 10-15 euros or share, I would encourage them to do both, but if they can only do one - sharing sometimes has a greater effect.

How would you describe Macedonians when it comes to donating and helping those in need?

Macedonians are people with big hearts! You show impressive solidarity and are always ready to lend a helping hand. Caring for each other is deeply embedded in your society, and the successful campaigns on our platform prove it. Your compassion is an inspiration and an example to everyone!