Solar Meninos de Luz

Solar Meninos de Luz was honored for its 20 years of existence with another edition of the Beija-Flor Trophy, which took place on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 30th of November, at the SESI Theater in downtown Rio. The event, promoted by the organization RioVoluntário, also celebrated the 10th anniversary of International Volunteer Day – AIV+10. Solar has partnered with this project since 2003.

This year, the award ceremony had the presence of journalist David Tapajós as master of ceremonies and the participation of actress Elke Maravilha in handing out the trophies. At the end of the event, the actress was also honored for her voluntary work with hanseniasis patients.

The Beija-Flor, or humming-bird, trophy, now in its 15th edition, is named after the humming-bird fable, a metaphor sociologist and activist Betinho always used to illustrate solidarity and citizenship, showing how each person can do a little to help the collective. The Trophy is also given to ten volunteers who performed relevant actions during the year, at various institutions.

Representatives from special categories were honored for having significantly contributed to the volunteer cause and for developing the Brazilian population. Solar Meninos de Luz won an award in the Institution category, Kraft Foods in the Company category, the 5th CISM Military Games – Rio 2011 in the Event category, the Responsa Habilidade Program – Claudia Cataldi in Media, United Nations Volunteers – UNV in Network and Gisella Amaral won Special Homage. All the award winners were chosen by a judging committee composed for the 2011 Beija-Flor Trophy.