Pahor highlighted the funds SILA collects for charity, but above all he praised their commitment and their faith in "solidarity as one of the key elements of society", the president's office said in a press release.
SILA was formed by partners of Slovenian ambassadors and business executives shortly after Slovenia gained independence. They invited partners of foreign ambassadors, business executives and academics to join their club so they could present them the newly independent country.
The club wanted to facilitate integration of foreign dignitaries' partners into Slovenian society and present them the culture, sports, traditions and values through various events.
PRS je danes na posebni slovesnosti v Predsedniški palači vročil državni odlikovanji medaljo za zasluge, ki sta ju prejeli Revija Gasilec in SILA-IWCL Mednarodno združenje žensk Ljubljana. pic.twitter.com/dETgd79nFq
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) June 8, 2018
These events formed the basis of the international SILA, which promotes values such as humanitarianism, volunteering, openness, solidarity and care for fellow humans, the press release reads.
The association has around 200 members from 46 countries, while its annual holiday season charity bazaar remains its most popular event.
The bazaar was first organised in 1994, when 12 countries joined the effort. Since then the event has grown to incorporate more than 40 countries but its mission remains: to aid associations, organisations, individuals and projects that require help.
In the 25 years, members have managed to raise more than 1.7 million euro, which went to more than 170 charities, projects, individuals and groups.
Pahor also decorated the firefighters' magazine Gasilec today.
Learn more about SILA here.
