Toše Proeski, great musician

…and great helper for those in need

October 16 (in 2007) marks the death of the incredible musician Todor "Toše" Proeski who was killed in a car accident after a much-too-short career.  Proeski was a Balkan star, referred to as an “Elvis,” a great singer, quite the linguist (he sang in many languages, including English.  He was Macedonian, and he spoke Aromaian, one of the Romance languages, (influenced by Greek and surrounded by Slavic languages). 

Proeski, born in 1981, sang in several different languages, and he helped others.  He probably could have been a leader in at least one Balkan country--if not a leader on a much larger scale.  Well-loved, famous, generous, handsome, caring individual.  People adored him, and many remember him in a variety of ways.  He left the world too soon, at the age of 26.

It is worth discovering his music, including songs in Italian, Croatian, English, and many other languages.  It is also worth finding out about his other accomplishments, and his contributions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To%C5%A1e_Proeski).

What does Proeski have to do with helping others?  With social justice?  A fan reminds us, “Also, in 2003 he won the Mother Teresa Humanitarian Award for holding benefit concerts throughout Macedonia and was named the regional ambassador for UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, a fund created to help give children, who have been devastated by war, food and healthcare).  Proeski performed and helped generate resources for, and awareness of, the poor and needy (https://myhero.com/T_Proeski_guinn_ms_US_2009).  The government of Macedonia acknowledged his contributions also.

Toše Proeski receiving the Mother Teresa Humanitarian Award in 2003.

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Proeski did a lot to help the children of Macedonia, and he was well-loved throughout the Balkans for his generosity.  Even his final concert was meant to generate resources for kids. 

Held on October 5, 2007, his last concert was called “Education is Everyone’s Responsibility.”  Proeski is known to say he loved his charity concerts for education most, saying that they would have a “healthier society” with better schools.  In the City Stadium of Skopje, he performed his last charity concert.  “The funds from the tickets (around 10.000 EUR) were used for the five-year project for renovating 100 elementary schools all over Macedonia, for bringing better educational programs and implementing educational reforms” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To%C5%A1e_Proeski).

Unicef issued a statement after his death in which they reminded readers what a strong advocate Prooeski was for children.  He spoke up for them, and he spoke out for them.  On WebWire, Unicef  joined Macedonia and the world by reminding readers of his work: “Appointed as a National Ambassador in 2004, Tose Proeski fulfilled his position with passion and sincerity. He held numerous humanitarian concerts and fundraising events for children with disabilities and for the rehabilitation of the children’s clinic in Skopje. His personal commitment and charisma helped to increase the awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people throughout the Balkans” (https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=50629).   

He was proud of his good works, and he said this about his final concert: " ‘It is an honor to be a part of a project like this and part of big plans for the education in Macedonia…”  He helped renovate a monastery—being a deeply religious person—and several schools, including so many schools, and more importantly the students within them, to be impacted by his generosity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To%C5%A1e_Proeski).

It is important to remember Toše Proeski—and his legacy which continues well after his death now.  He is a great example of a helper.  

Helpers are needed everywhere—on the streets, in the libraries, and in the schools.  It is fitting to remember this quotation: ““One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” –John  F. Kennedy