Who we are and why we are fundraising

My name is Alma, and I am organizing this fundraiser from Sweden together with my daughter Merdija, who is a volunteer member of GSS Ilidža, a mountain rescue team based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

GSS Ilidža is a team of 40 volunteers who dedicate their time, skills and energy to helping people who are lost, injured, trapped or otherwise in need of rescue. They have their own jobs, families and responsibilities, but they continue to train and volunteer because they care about their community.

We are raising money to help them obtain something they urgently need to continue their work: a dedicated rescue vehicle.

What we are raising money for

At the moment, GSS Ilidža does not have a rescue vehicle of its own. Because of limited financial support, the team cannot cover the cost of a suitable rescue vehicle, so volunteers often rely on their personal vehicles or have to find a suitable vehicle when a rescue action is needed. This creates an additional challenge when the team needs to mobilize quickly and reach difficult terrain.

With winter approaching, this becomes even more important. Snow, mud and difficult weather conditions can make reaching a rescue location harder.

We are raising 50,000 BAM (approximately £22,000 / 288,000 SEK) to help GSS Ilidža purchase a reliable used rescue vehicle.

The funds will be used for:

If the vehicle and its initial costs are covered and additional funds are raised, the remaining money will support GSS Ilidža through fuel, rescue equipment, protective mountain clothing, and education and training for volunteers.

Why I am asking for your help

My name is Merdija, and I am a volunteer member of GSS Ilidža. I am asking for your help because I know these people personally, train alongside them, and have seen how much they give to others.

What inspires me most is their dedication. They can spend a full day working and then use their free time to train and practice because they know that one day someone may depend on them. They are constantly learning and improving so they can be ready when a rescue call comes. I want them to be able to focus on helping the person who needs them, rather than worrying about how they will get themselves and their equipment to the rescue location.

Important information

Because Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently not supported by GoFundMe for direct payouts, my mother Alma is organizing the fundraiser from Sweden. I am in Bosnia and am the person directly connected to GSS Ilidža. The funds will be withdrawn by my mother as the organizer and everything will be transferred to the official bank account of GSS Ilidža in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will provide updates and appropriate documentation showing that the funds have reached the team and how they are used.

GSS Ilidža is already there when people need help. Now we are asking you to help us make sure they can get there too.

If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser can still help us reach someone who can.

Thank you for supporting GSS Ilidža and the people who dedicate their time to helping others.