The Bulgarian Red Cross in Burgas is running a photo and short story contest called "Volunteering in Action", open to anyone aged 12 or older, the organisers said. Entries must be sent by 22 November.

The best photos and stories will go on show at the volunteer forum "Volunteering Is Cool" on 4 and 5 December at the Flora Expo Centre in Burgas. The authors of the winning stories will get prizes.

The contest marks International Volunteer Day on 5 December. It is also part of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, which is 2026.

The Red Cross wants true stories about good deeds and help for people, animals, nature and local communities. The story can be about a good deed the author saw or one they took part in.

Each entrant sends one photo and a short text of up to one page. The text must say what happened, who took part, what was done and why it matters to the author. The photo and the text must be by the same person.

If a minor's face can be seen in the photo, a parent or guardian must give written consent. This allows the photo to be shown in public at the contest, at the forum and in the Red Cross's work.

A jury of Red Cross representatives will judge the entries in three categories: lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and adults over 19. The winners will be named on 3 December on the social media page of the Red Cross in Burgas.