20 years of serving people: the history of the International Charitable Foundation of Goodness and Love
February 20, 2006 marked the beginning of a story that over the years has grown into a large-scale movement of support and mutual assistance. It was on this day that the International Charitable Foundation of Goodness and Love – an organization that has been working for two decades where help is needed most.
From the very first day of its operation, the Foundation has chosen a difficult but principled path – to be with people in the most difficult moments of their lives. Social crises, economic challenges, pandemic, war – together with the country, the team went through all the trials without stopping its work.
2006-2013: mission statement and community development
In its early years, the Foundation focused on supporting children, families and local communities. Assistance to large families, people with disabilities, the elderly and families in difficult life circumstances has become the basis of systematic work.
Hundreds of humanitarian, social, and educational initiatives were implemented: programs for the rehabilitation of children in summer camps, support for medical and educational institutions, development of libraries in Odesa region, creation of children’s and sports grounds, arrangement of recreation areas, support for cultural projects and spiritual initiatives.
Christmas charity events have become a separate tradition. Over 20 years, more than 300 thousand children have received holiday gifts and the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of care and joy.
One of the landmark educational projects was the Best Diary, which motivated children to learn and develop. The best students were awarded trips to Europe – for many, this was the first experience of a big dream come true.
Cultural events played an important role in the prewar period, including the “Chords of Autumn” festival, which united the communities of Southern Bessarabia and contributed to the development of the region’s cultural life.
2014-2021: new challenges and humanitarian missions
Since the beginning of the war in 2014, the Foundation’s activities have expanded. Humanitarian missions in eastern Ukraine, support for IDPs, assistance to the military and frontline communities were launched. The work became more extensive and systematic.
From February 24, 2022: the humanitarian front
The full-scale invasion was a turning point. From the very first days of the war, the Foundation launched an active humanitarian response in the regions that suffered the greatest destruction.
Volunteers worked in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and other regions. They delivered food, water, medicines, hygiene products, clothing, generators, and heating equipment. After the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station was blown up, the aid was promptly provided to the residents of the affected areas.
Over 900,000 Ukrainians have received help during the full-scale war. More than 7 thousand tons of humanitarian aid have passed through the hands of volunteers.
The Foundation was actively working to evacuate civilians from the frontline areas. More than 2,500 people were evacuated from the hot spots in eastern and southern Ukraine, and hundreds of seriously ill and disabled people were taken to hospitals by the Foundation’s ambulances.
Medical and rehabilitation programs
During the war, the Foundation implemented a large-scale medical program: mobile outpatient clinics, donations of equipment to hospitals, and support of medical institutions with modern equipment and medicines.
Mobile hospitals were set up, ventilators, ultrasound machines, functional beds, and ambulances were donated. Medical institutions in different regions of the country received grant support from international partners with the Foundation’s assistance.
A separate area is housing reconstruction programs. In Kyiv region, 95 modular houses have been installed for families who lost their homes.
Support for defenders and their families
The Foundation systematically helps the military on the front line with food, equipment, technical means, vehicles and necessary equipment. Particular attention is paid to the families of fallen and captured defenders and children of military personnel.
Children of war are a priority of care
Even in wartime, the Foundation continues to organize festive events, educational programs and support for vulnerable children. Christmas events, events dedicated to Children’s Day, targeted assistance – all this helps to keep children feeling cared for and bright.
Together with partners
The Foundation actively cooperates with Ukrainian and international organizations, which allows it to scale up its assistance and reach more communities across the country.
20 years is the path of trust and responsibility
The Foundation’s twenty-year history includes thousands of lives saved, hundreds of projects implemented, and an unwavering mission to be there for people in the midst of challenges.
The Foundation for Good and Love continues to work according to the main principle:
to help those in need under any circumstances.
