Young Couple Provides Free Meals to Elderly Pensioners in Montenegro

A young couple from Cetinje, Montenegro, has initiated a charitable campaign to provide free meals for elderly pensioners facing financial difficulties. Marko and Marija Živković, owners of the restaurant Marinada, are committed to preparing cooked meals for ten pensioners with the lowest incomes.

The idea for this initiative emerged from the couple’s frequent encounters with older individuals struggling to meet their basic needs. Marko Živković expressed his concern, stating, “Seeing pensioners who have worked their entire lives but now barely cover essential expenses was very distressing. It motivated me to launch this action. This is not an act of pity, but rather a continuation of the ‘chain of kindness’.” He noted that the same community spirit that once rallied support for his cousin, Filip Vušković, during a medical fundraising campaign inspired them to help others.

Marko emphasized the importance of outreach, acknowledging that many pensioners who need assistance often do not ask for it. He appealed to journalists and fellow citizens, saying, “If you know a pensioner who cannot afford a regular, warm meal, please contact Marinada. We can provide lunch for several individuals for at least a month, with complete discretion and respect.”

The campaign underscores a growing trend in Montenegro, where community members are stepping up to support vulnerable populations. As the country’s economy faces challenges, initiatives like this highlight the power of compassion and collective action.

Marko’s father, Miodrag Žile Živković, was a well-respected journalist for Pobjeda, and it appears that the commitment to community service runs deep in the family. This new endeavor reflects the values instilled in him from an early age.

The Marinada restaurant, located on Street X in Cetinje, stands as a beacon of hope for those in need. By offering free meals, the Živković couple is not only providing sustenance but also fostering a sense of dignity among the elderly in their community.