HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION
The Charitable Foundation “CHERVONA KALYNA KHARKIV” was created on the basis of one of the educational institutions in Kharkiv with the assistance of the administration and caring people.
The history of the foundation began on 24.02.2022 with a small basement, where about 300 students and dormitory staff found themselves looking for protection.
In the first days of Russian aggression, many residents tried to evacuate inland, as Kharkiv became a front-line city. In addition to the obvious threat of rocket and artillery shelling, Kharkiv residents experienced food shortages, problems with electricity, heat and drinking water supply, transport links, and communications. Forced unemployment, delayed social payments, and a depressed psychological state were added to all this.
In order to survive, it was necessary to act, and to act quickly, decisively, but at the same time very carefully.
This activity was headed by the commandant of the dormitory, and later the director of the newly created charitable foundation “CHERVONA KALYNA KHARKIV” Liyudmila KATKOVA.
The very first steps, recalls Liyudmila (author), were very difficult:
Firstly, it is the need to ensure the safety of students and staff who have become hostages of the situation. To this end, very quickly, in a short time, the basement of the dormitory was adapted as a temporary shelter. By the way, there were many foreigners among the students who were waiting for a decision from the embassy on further actions. Therefore, such care became a very responsible act on the part of the management of the educational institution.
Secondly, it is сatering students, local defense forces, volunteers, and medical institutions. It is thanks to the hard work of the cooks that the foundation has become known to many communities of the Kharkiv region. The strategy was to make delicious, healthy meals out of simple products. Later, the assortment expanded somewhat, and pies with different fillings became the hallmark of the institution. Thus, providing for various food needs is still the main focus of the foundation.
Thirdly, it is Psychological support students and staff. As you know, active communication, optimism and a positive attitude reduce stress for a certain time. And the source of this optimism, which helps to overcome all adversity, is faith in God. And not only in His existence, but also in the living hope of His protection and care. From the first days to the present, a prayer is heard within the walls of the institution and a lamp is burning, reminding of the presence of God in this place.
Later, work with IDPs was added, the number of which now is about 2800 people. Some IDPs have become our volunteers, they work for free – they knit camouflage nets for the needs of the defense forces, and thus feel involved in the great cause of protecting our country.
The foundation’s employees identify, process and record the basic needs of IDPs and lonely people, provide them with targeted assistance in the form of food kits, clothes, medicines, social benefits, etc.
A separate area of activity is interaction with various charitable and public organizations, including foreign ones. They sincerely root for our disadvantaged citizens, especially for children.
For children from displaced families, with the assistance of the administration and social services, various activities are carried out. Teachers, professional psychologists are involved in working with our “little citizens”, and animators and teachers are also invited to festive events. Children spend time playing educational games, participating in competitions and trainings, and communicating with each other. And at the end of the holiday, everyone receives gifts from sponsors and goodies from our chefs.
In addition, the foundation also actively cooperates with the local religious community: priests commemorate employees, volunteers, benefactors and relatives of IDPs in churches during church services.
In general, it should be noted that the management of the foundation has several interesting ideas related to the seasonal recreation of children, medical care for elderly migrants, and care for sick lonely citizens.
To implement such social projects, we need your support – prayer, organizational, media, material and financial, etc.
Our mission is to help those who need protection the most!
Join us – together we will be stronger!
With love and care,
Liudmyla KATKOVA, Director of the Chervona Kalyna Kharkiv Charitable Foundation