Finally at the finish line or just getting started? – A letter from Vanja

In October 2025, our managing director Vanja Crnojević wrote a very personal letter to our supporters. We are publishing it here because it shows what Borderfree stands for: heartfelt help for people in need – where others look away.

This letter is an appeal for a new beginning in Syria. And for 100 hearts that will make it possible.

Chur, October 2025

Finally at the finish line or just getting started?

«Look, I found a doll.» A smile flits across Bahar's face. «When we fled, I was still a child and had one just like it.» She strokes the doll's dirty hair thoughtfully. So many memories. So much time has passed.»

I look around. Rubble and ruins pile up on both sides of the street. In between, people like Bahar move around, almost like ghosts, quietly searching for something that reminds them of home. The war is over, and people are returning to Syria.

And so I too was able to set foot in a country whose people have been close to my heart for

ten years – since the founding of Borderfree Association and my first mission to help refugees on the Serbian border.

Being here means everything to me. It means closing a circle that began with the terrible civil war in 2011 and... no, I can't let it end like this! Right now, we need a new beginning. And we can only achieve that together.

Without generous people like you, I wouldn't be here. And without people like you, things wouldn't be moving forward here and now!

Become part of 100 Hearts now

The Syrian war has affected people from all walks of life with brutal severity. Hospitals and schools have been damaged or destroyed. Many returnees are destitute. But they carry pride within them—like Bahar, who says with her chin held high:

«We'll take care of it. It will be our home again!»

I want to be honest: I want to get started right away! Helping the displaced, supporting hospitals, running clinics, sending children to school... But unfortunately, we lack the necessary financial stability – even for ongoing projects, let alone new ones.

This need gave me the idea for the «100 Borderfree Hearts» club. If I can find 100 people who will support us with an annual donation of 1000 CHF or more, we can finally put our project planning on a stable footing!

That's why I'm asking our most loyal supporters – and that includes you: Are you in?

As one of «100 Borderfree Hearts», you're not only at the forefront of new projects in Syria and Lebanon. You are our anchor – and thus a source of hope for people who have lost everything in one of the most terrible wars of our time.

Even if you don't decide to become part of «100 Borderfree Hearts» today, every donation, no matter how small, helps us to put the projects on a secure footing.

I want to donate

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me so loyally and selflessly from the beginning to my new start. You are and will always be a big, boundless heart!

Together we are Borderfree.

Warm regards,

Vanja Crnojević

Director Borderfree Association

PS: As part of «100 Borderfree Hearts», you will have an active say in how our projects in Lebanon and Syria develop, and you will receive exclusive first-hand information and reports. The payment slip lists what you can expect. Thank you for your trust!

PPS: Would you like to support us with a smaller donation rather than becoming one of «100 Borderfree Hearts»? Every contribution helps to enable people in Syria and Lebanon to live in dignity. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!