Humanitarian Aid: July Highlights

  Today, the boys are cared for by their grandmother and another uncle. The uncle has developmental disabilities and, according to the boys themselves, often behaves aggressively, leaving them in unsafe situations. Their grandmother does her best to look after them, but her current condition clearly limits her ability to provide the level of care the children need.

  The family's situation has reached a critical point. Social services are actively involved, and the process of removing the boys from the household is currently underway. However, while the legal procedures continue, they remain in the same unsafe living conditions.

These conditions include:

    - No gas supply in the house.

    - Until recently, the family did not even have a refrigerator. During a visit, a volunteer delivering humanitarian aid discovered there was no way to safely store food and personally arranged for a refrigerator to be provided.

     - Most of the boys' clothing, footwear, hygiene products, and other basic necessities have been donated by members of the local community. Much of it does not fit properly or is unsuitable for them, making the boys targets of bullying at school.

    - The boys are noticeably behind their peers in physical development, most likely as a result of prolonged malnutrition and inadequate care during early childhood. They urgently require comprehensive medical examinations and specialized care - support they have never received.

   What the Foundation Did
  In July, the Foundation provided Yurchyk and Vitalyk with:

   - School supplies for the entire academic year, based on a list coordinated with their homeroom teacher.

   - Clothing and footwear.

   - Food packages.

   - Hygiene and personal care products.

  This assistance covers the boys' immediate basic needs for a limited period. However, the issue of ensuring stable and safe guardianship, as well as access to proper medical care, remains unresolved and depends on the relevant child protection authorities. The legal process of removing the boys from their current family environment is still ongoing.

Why This Story Is Not an Exception

  We are sharing Yurchyk and Vitalyk's story not because it is unique, but because, unfortunately, it is all too common.

  Across Ukraine, many children and families were already living in difficult circumstances before the war, and the full-scale invasion has only deepened those hardships. These families are often much closer than we realize - not in distant places, but in the neighboring village, on the next street, or even in the same school as our own children.

  We believe it is important to draw greater public attention to situations like these - not only to a single case, but to the broader, systemic issue. Children's safety and well-being are guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine, yet without the awareness and involvement of those around them, these guarantees can remain little more than words.

  If you know of children or families who are in urgent need of support but you are unable to help them yourself, please let us know. You can submit a request through our website, and together we will do our best to provide assistance.


How You Can Support Our Work

   - We were able to respond quickly and support this family thanks to another generous contribution from our donor in Luxembourg, Michael Morris, who has supported the Foundation's initiatives on multiple occasions. We are deeply grateful to Michael, as well as to the volunteer who not only brought this family's situation to our attention but also personally traveled to deliver humanitarian aid, and to everyone else who is willing to respond quickly and support those who need it most.

   - Stories like this are identified and supported because of ongoing donations. Regular contributions allow us to plan these initiatives in advance and extend assistance to a greater number of children and families in need.