“Performing good deeds was always a deep-rooted feature of Russian culture. St Petersburg enriched those traditions with enlightened charity that became the moral norm for every wealthy Petersburger,” the city’s governor, Valentina Matviyenko, proclaimed at the event. “An entrepreneur established himself socially not through the size of his fortune, but through the construction and patronage of places of worship, hospitals and hostels, scientific, educational and cultural institutions.” The authors of the idea rightly believe that giving new life to established symbols of St Petersburg will be the best gift to its citizens, in contrast to the host of modern monuments that have become such popular offerings in recent years. All the restoration projects will be carried out with the participation of the foremost specialists under the supervision of the Committee for the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments. It is anticipated that the “Gift Store” will become one more positive tradition. As Governor Matviyenko stressed: “Everyone who lives and works in St Petersburg has a splendid opportunity to make their contribution to the regeneration of the cultural wealth of our nation.” |