Barbara Mikelj from Mojstran is celebrating her birthday with the Lidl Award (PHOTO)

Barbara Mikelj, a 33-year-old woman from Mojstrane, celebrated her birthday in a special way today after winning a prize from Lidl’s summer lottery. The unexpected gift, which she received just days before her 34th birthday, was a valuable card that will help her prepare for a picnic in her garden. She plans to use the prize to buy meat and other items for the gathering, which she has been looking forward to preparing. Lidl Slovenia has long supported the “Pomežik soncu®” charity initiative, which provides free holidays for children from socially vulnerable families and those with special needs. This year, the company continued its partnership by encouraging customers to contribute through purchases of products from the Lupilu and Cien Kids lines, or via SMS donations. Since the campaign began, over 2,500 carefree holiday days have been made possible for children who need them most. The campaign ran from July 1st to August 31st, during which time shoppers could participate in the lottery. Barbara, who works in production in Kranj, discovered the promotion online. Like many others in her generation, she relies primarily on digital media for news and entertainment rather than print publications. She had initially doubted whether she would win anything, yet fate smiled upon her. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys creating handmade items such as crocheted toys, plushies, and accessories. Her creations are often given as gifts to friends and family. She is also active in a local group focused on handcrafts, where members regularly exchange experiences and host annual exhibitions of their work. These activities provide her with a sense of peace and fulfillment. Barbara's upcoming vacation plans include a trip to Königsee Lake near Berchtesgaden in Germany, where she and her child intend to visit the Eagle’s Nest. While living in a tourist area, she finds it unnecessary to travel further for relaxation. Instead, she prefers shorter trips to the mountains, where the air is fresher and the surroundings more tranquil. Participation in the lottery offers daily chances to win attractive prizes, including a gift voucher worth 200 euros. Winners are selected randomly, and the excitement of the draw adds to the joy of the season. Barbara’s experience highlights how even small surprises can bring happiness and make everyday moments more meaningful.