There are moments when even the strongest among us need support. During such times, feeling attention and warmth is crucial. When a person knows they are not alone, that there are friends who care about them, life becomes easier, and difficulties become easier to overcome.
For several years now, our foundation has been implementing the “Targeted Assistance” program. It may seem like just two simple words, but behind them lie many important stories.
Elizabeth, 12 years old. The girl is passionate about drawing and graphic design. Everything was fine until the war started. Elizabeth’s mother, Irina, is raising her daughter alone and also cares for her sick mother. Due to the stress from constant explosions in the front-line city of Kharkiv, Elizabeth’s health deteriorated as well – last year, the girl underwent numerous tests, treatments, and even surgery.
“Before the full-scale war, my daughter was very active: she played basketball and did gymnastics. The constant shelling of the city changed everything. For the first months, we lived in the corridor without internet access. We only had notebooks and pencils available – so Elizabeth started drawing. I played music for her through headphones and asked her to draw something, thus protecting her from depression. We don’t complain; on the contrary, we are very grateful to all the kind people for their support in difficult times,” says Irina, Elizabeth’s mother.
Alexander, 9 years old. The boy lives with his grandmother and mother, who lost her job due to the war. The family’s house became a shelter for a bunch of animals: neighbors couldn’t take their pets with them during evacuation. Sasha takes care of chinchillas, parrots, and a small dog. He also dreams endlessly of swimming in the sea.
“My son has been saving money for his dream for several years, and our friends also helped us. In 2023, we went to Odessa, and it was during these days that the Kakhovka disaster occurred – the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. The Black Sea coast was completely closed to visitors, so we never saw the sea,” recalls Tetyana, Sasha’s mother.
Both families strongly believe in victory and better times ahead, while currently receiving monthly additional support from our foundation.
We sincerely believe that every good deed leaves an imprint on the hearts of children. Someday, they will grow up and support those who need it.