Bucharest, 12.10.2026. On 8 October, the Speranța Shelter Foundation marked 30 years of activity with the event “In the Footsteps of Kindness”, an evening dedicated to everyone who, over the years, has contributed to rescuing, caring for and protecting stray animals.
It was more than just the anniversary of a shelter. It was a gathering of a community built around kindness, bringing together people from different generations and walks of life. Some have stood alongside the foundation since the very beginning, while others joined more recently, but all share the same belief: every life matters, and every act of kindness leaves a lasting mark.
Behind Speranța’s 30-year journey are thousands of dogs who have found responsible, loving families, hundreds of thousands of sterilisation procedures and millions of animals who, thanks to these interventions, were spared being born into a life of suffering on the streets.
It all began with the story of a family who chose not to turn a blind eye to animal suffering. Three generations of the Tomescu family have grown alongside the shelter, facing challenges together, celebrating lives saved and learning that doing good is not always easy, but is worth every effort.
Over time, this family mission became a cause supported by thousands of people: volunteers, veterinary professionals, adopters, donors, partners and friends.
“When I look back over these 30 years, I see more than just a shelter that has grown. I see thousands of dogs who have been given a chance, people who stood by us during difficult times, and a family story that gradually became the story of an entire community. Three generations of our family have poured their hearts into Speranța, but none of what we have built would have been possible without the people who have supported us along the way. This anniversary belongs just as much to them. And together, we will continue moving forward, because there are still so many lives that need us.” – Anca Tomescu, Director of the Speranța Shelter Foundation
The anniversary concept was inspired by a simple truth: kindness does not disappear once an act of kindness has been done. It lives on in the lives it changes, in the animals rescued and in the people who carry it forward.
The event brought together representatives of animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, volunteers, partners, public figures and friends of the foundation for an evening dedicated to those who contribute to rescuing and protecting animals.
The evening was hosted by Claudiu Cîrțînă, with special guests including actress Carmen Tănase, well known for her commitment to animal welfare.
Joining the Speranța team were representatives of Save the Dogs and Other Animals, the Animal Protection Department of Ilfov County Council, Pro Anima Suceava, the National Committee for Animal Protection, ASPA Bucharest, Totul Pentru Animale, Help Lăbuș, Ia-mă Acasă and other animal welfare organisations, alongside numerous friends, partners and collaborators of the foundation.
The event also brought together partners who have supported Speranța Shelter’s projects over the years, including Online Hub, Monterovet, Pet Stuff Veterinary Hospital, HORNBACH, Mars, Groupama, Boehringer Ingelheim, HCLTech, ING Romania, ParkLake Shopping Center, Pet Expo and WOOF Fest. The anniversary celebration was organised with the support of the HARE team.
Over three decades, Speranța Shelter has become much more than a refuge for abandoned dogs. It is a place where animals that have experienced hunger, fear or abandonment receive care, safety and the chance to trust people again.
Through adoption and rehabilitation programmes, sterilisation campaigns and educational projects, the foundation seeks not only to rescue animals but also to change the way society treats and values them.
“These 30 years have been filled with joy and loss, with stories that had happy endings and others that left us with a sense of longing. But above all, they have been 30 years in which ordinary people have done extraordinary things. The ‘In the Footsteps of Kindness’ anniversary was an opportunity to thank everyone: those who have stood by us from the beginning, those who joined us along the way and those who will carry kindness forward. Because beyond these 30 years, what remains are the lives saved and the eyes that have learnt to look at people with trust once again. Three generations have nurtured this story, and thousands of people have given it the strength to continue. And perhaps that is the most beautiful legacy we can leave in this world: kindness that does not end with us, but lives on through those who come after us.” – Florina Tomescu, Founder of the Speranța Shelter Foundation
