Habitat Macedonia: 20 Years of Service
The 20th Anniversary of Habitat Macedonia was an occasion that brought together many of its supporters, implementing partners, beneficiary families, and both former and current employees and associates - to reflect on the organization’s beginnings, share stories, express gratitude, volunteer, and look forward to the future.
The anniversary events began with a reception for Habitat Macedonia’s foreign guests, hosted by the President of the Republic, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, on October 8, 2025, followed by a reception hosted by the President of the Macedonian Parliament, Afrim Gashi, on October 10, 2025.
The main event, attended by more than 200 guests, included a presentation of Habitat Macedonia’s work and achievements over the past 20 years, led by Dragan Malinovski, Board Chair, and Zoran Kostov, Executive Director. Among the speakers who addressed the audience and extended their congratulations were Sanja Bozinovska, Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources; Ekin Ogutogullari, Habitat for Humanity International’s Vice President for Europe and the Middle East; John Joseph Finnerty III, Habitat Macedonia’s Honorary Board Member; and Zoran Dimitrovski, Macedonian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and long-time Habitat Macedonia volunteer. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, also congratulated Habitat Macedonia through a video message.
During the same event, Habitat Macedonia’s anniversary plaques were presented to several distinguished supporters, including Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County, Florida, United States, represented by its CEO Justin Leech; John Finnerty, former Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, Florida, United States; Ace Kocevski, former three-term Mayor of the City of Veles; and Lucija Popovska, one of the initiators of Habitat Macedonia.
The anniversary events continued with the installation of a memorial plaque dedicated to George Rusaw, the late CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County, followed by a volunteer day at the construction site of Habitat’s seventh apartment building for low-income families in the city of Veles. It was a day to remember, as the volunteers included the President of the Macedonian Parliament, guests from the United States and Europe, and members of Habitat Macedonia’s Board and senior management.
The anniversary gatherings also provided an excellent opportunity to discuss future plans, including the recently launched Strategic Priorities 2025-2027 of Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat Macedonia’s Strategic Plan for the period 2026–2028, which is currently under development. The number and profile of participants - many of whom are key stakeholders in these processes - further reinforced their credibility.