A Christmas to Remember #fundraiser

This year everyone is expecting the most difficult winter yet for Ukraine. This situation also takes its toll on the vulnerable institutionalized children of the country. Our goal is to provide a little joy, laughter and quality time!

Christmas at an orphanage can be a heartwarming yet poignant experience, with decorations, festive treats, and activities bringing a sense of warmth and family spirit to children who may not have their own families nearby. Staff and volunteers often work hard to create a joyful environment, setting up trees, hanging ornaments, and organizing holiday crafts, baking sessions, and games for the children. Gift-giving is usually a central part, with donations and community support playing a big role. Each child receives gifts, often personalized, to make them feel special. Volunteers, including local families or organizations, may even spend the day at the orphanage to make the experience memorable, bringing not only presents but also companionship and shared meals.

In some cases, carolers or musicians come by to entertain, and a holiday meal is usually prepared, giving the children a taste of festive joy. For some children, it may be a time to remember and miss loved ones, while for others, it's a chance to be embraced by a new, if temporary, family—one created by people who care deeply about their happiness and well-being.

This being our second such mission for Christmas, this year we will expand the places and people we visit.

So, we will deliver presents at:

1. Svalyava Children's Rehabilitation Center and Orphanage - Zakarpattia Oblast - 78 children

2. Chynadyiovo Orphanage - Zakarpattia Oblast - 112 children

3. Vil'shany Center for Mentally Disabled - Zakarpattia Oblast - 151 people (ages 4 to 36)

4. Turya Remetiv Center for Disabled - Zakarpattia Oblast - 221 people (ages 16 to 83)

5. Mahala Children's Center - Chernivtsi Oblast - 22 children (ages 8 to 17)

6. Kharkiv Children's Center - Kharkiv Oblast - 15 children (ages 7 to 16)

7. Kalynivske Children's Center - Kherson Oblast - 21 children (ages 5 to 16)

8. Dnipro Internally Displaced Center - Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - 75

children (ages 4 to 16)

Total is 1,390 children and adults.

It's an enormous task, considering our modest means, but I'm convinced we can make it happen.

I already had a conversation with the manager of Chynadyiovo Orphanage and she asked us not to buy presents, but instead provide 6 computers for their dormitories, if we can.

Due to the fact that there's a huge number of people involved, I lowered the maximum gift value to 10 eur per child, so our goal (including the computers) is 13,900 eur.

My last savings amount to 1,800 eur, I will provide 1,500 eur as contribution and use the 300 left for fuel and hotels.

We plan to start our small tour on December 19th in Chernivtsi and finish on December 24th at Chynadyiovo, so we can go home and spend Christmas with our loved ones as well.

If you wish to know more about our missions, please do so using the following links:

ko-fi.com/horiafella

buymeacoffee.com/ztele85

IMPORTANT: if you wish to join us this Christmas personally, YOU ARE VERY WELCOME!