CROATIA is the subject of a slideshow planned next week to benefit local charity PALS.

The group has worked tirelessly since 1980 to provide free medical and emotional support to cancer patients on the island, enabling such persons to remain in their homes instead of seeing them forced into hospital care.

The fundraiser is an annual event held by the charity's chief executive officer, Ann Smith Gordon. Her slideshows provide an annual boost to the charity's coffers and also afford residents a glimpse of the outside world.

Past presentations have included journeys through Turkey, Greece, France and Alaska.

Wednesday's slideshow, , is Ms Smith Gordon's 20th to benefit PALS. It shows the nation at peace, a significantly different state than those years between 1991 and 1995 when a civil war raged, the result of inter-ethnic hostilities.

"My audio-visual slide presentation explores a beautiful land, one of the world's newest countries born out of the fall of communism, an intense civil war and the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia," she said.

"It is no longer a war zone fuelled by ethnic hatred between the Croats and Serbs. The visitor will be delighted by charming mediaeval stone villages, mighty fortresses, glorious cathedrals, impressive Roman ruins, beautiful Venetian architecture, lovely islands, picturesque fishing villages, beautiful works of art and so much more."

Also a member of the World Homecare and Hospice Organisation, PALS serves the community free of charge, relying largely on charitable donations and volunteers for its operation.

"Our aim is to provide cancer patients with quality care primarily in the home setting in order to enhance the quality of life," she explained.

"We work to provide support and assistance to cancer patients and their families, to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of patients and to promote health, dignity and independence ? regardless of one's ability to pay ? to the extent of the resources of PALS."

Ms Smith Gordon added that such goals are achieved through the efforts of close to 100 volunteers and a body of dedicated nurses.

"They are requested to contribute a minimum of 50 hours of service annually. Many of the volunteers are assigned to individual patients as their 'PAL'. Volunteers visit their patients regularly, offering friendship and providing invaluable moral support.

"They also provide a variety of other support services, including transportation for medical appointments or assisting with the patient's domestic needs. There is no charge for the services of PALS nurses, or for the use of medical equipment and medical supplies ? these services are available to all cancer patients who need them.

"PALS is not part of (the Bermuda Hospitals Board), Government, or any other organisation. We depend upon financial donations from the generous people of Bermuda, without whose support we could not exist.

"Operating funds are derived from memorial donations, from general donations from the business sector, from caring individuals, from other charitable organisations which wish to help, in lieu of union dues, and through the tireless work of so many of our volunteers at our regular fundraising events. It should be noted that 76 per cent of expenses is directed to patient care."

provides an extensive look at the Balkan region, highlighting its wonderful coastline, offshore islands and unique villages.

Explained Ms Smith Gordon: "Surrounded by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovnia, Croatia has a spectacular coastline with some 1,185 offshore islands. Our exploration begins in Porec, in Istria with its glorious sixth-century World Heritage basilica and includes beautiful mediaeval hilltop villages, as well as the ancient coastal towns of Rovinj and Opatija, once the fashionable seaside resort of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"While in this area we spent a week on a 12-cabin 'vintage' ship exploring the beautiful northern islands of the Dalmatian Coast.

"We will visit Zagreb, the lively capital of Croatia since 1557 and the capital of an independent nation since 1992. Though Zagreb was hit by rockets in the 1990s war, the damage was not severe and recovery was rapid. There is much of interest here with a 12th-century cathedral, excellent museums, the Croatian National Theatre and a huge colourful market."

The film then explores the southern part of the region, showcasing World Heritage Sites, national parks and some of the 3,000 people who live in the area.

"On our way south we will visit another World Heritage Site, Plitvice National Park, with its eight-kilometre string of 16 emerald green and turquoise lakes linked by a series of spectacular waterfalls and cascades.

"Behind the modern harbour of Split lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian's Palace, composed of 220 buildings within the palace walls that date to 295 AD. Some 3,000 people still live within the walls where, in the labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes we also find shops, caf?s and restaurants.

"From Split we will embark on our second 'vintage' ship to explore the beautiful islands of southern Dalmatia including Mljet, Korcula, Hvar and Bol with its extraordinary beach that changes shape year to year, according to the wind and waves.

"This wonderful exploration of Croatia ends in stunning Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful and best preserved fortified cities in the world. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1979 and (British poet) Lord Byron called it 'the pearl of the Adriatic'.

"While in Dubrovnik we made a day trip to Bosnia-Herzegovnia to visit Medjugorje, a pilgrimage site since 1981 when the Virgin Mary appeared to six local children while playing on a hillside.

"I do hope you will join me to visit this beautiful land with its tormented history. Peace has returned at last and a free Croatia is being discovered and is welcoming visitors from around the world."