In Pavlograd—a frontline city now sheltering over 15,000 displaced Ukrainians—Bird of Light delivered 1,000 food care packages and 45,000 liters of clean drinking water. Each package provides vital staples and over 40,000 calories of nourishment. Amidst ongoing shelling and hardship, this support brings not only sustenance, but dignity and hope to families starting over from nothing.

This winter, Bird of Light Ukraine delivered 48 high-capacity generators and over 25,000 liters of fuel to IDP shelters across the Dnipropetrovsk region—bringing heat, electricity, and hope to more than 12,000 displaced Ukrainians. For families who’ve lost everything, power means more than light—it means safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild.

In February, Bird of Light Ukraine brought the Empty Beds exhibition to Tokyo—an emotional tribute to the 19,546 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Through powerful images, a Japanese-language photobook, and a moving testimony from survivor Rostislav Lavrov, the event reached over 3 million people. United by shared memory and empathy, Japan stood in solidarity with Ukraine’s stolen children, raising its voice for justice and hope.

At the Mahala orphanage in Ukraine, 53 children with disabilities are finally getting the care they deserve. Through our psychosocial support program—now officially transitioned to UNICEF—we helped transform a once-forgotten institution into a place of healing and growth. What began with overwhelmed staff and traumatized children ended in smiles, breakthroughs, and hope. With your support, we proved that even in war, dignity and care can prevail.

This past winter, through Operation Santa, Bird of Light helped fulfill the holiday wishes of 334 Ukrainian children who lost parents to war. From toys to tablets, and even a washing machine for one brave teen’s family, these gifts offered more than comfort—they brought hope. With a 40-foot container of essentials reaching over 1,500 children across Ukraine, Operation Santa reminded us that even in the darkest times, compassion can light the way.

We’re excited to announce the successful completion of our water supply restoration project at the Regional Family Health Medical Center in Dnipro. This critical initiative ensures a reliable and secure water system for a hospital that provides care to vulnerable patients, including children, pregnant women, and those impacted by conflict.

In the wake of the Kakhovka hydroelectric disaster, the need for resilient infrastructure became urgent. Despite challenges—like working around hidden underground utilities—the project was completed through careful, manual effort.

Thanks to the incredible support of the World Orphan Fund and Diamondback Energy, the hospital can now continue its vital work, serving over 25,000 inpatients and 241,000 consultations annually.

In the heart of Manhattan’s Little Ukraine, an emotional art installation titled Empty Beds vividly brings attention to one of the darkest tragedies of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine—the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children. Each haunting image portrays a child’s empty bed, symbolizing lives disrupted and families torn apart. Created by photographer Phil Buehler with Bird of Light Foundation, the mural urges us all to stand together, support these families, and ensure every abducted child can return safely home.

What began as a provocative gold-framed portrait of Vladimir Putin from a Kyiv protest evolved into an extraordinary adventure. Transported to Burning Man by a generous friend, the portrait’s fate took a surprising turn when a chance encounter inspired us to transform it into an official art installation. Navigating the challenges of registration, mounting, and eco-friendly lighting, we relied on the incredible Burning Man community to bring our vision to life. Interactive and evolving, the portrait became a canvas for personal expression in the deep playa. As the festival ended, a heartfelt collaboration with a Ukrainian camp led to its preservation in the Ukrainian National Museum of Art in Chicago. Join us as we reflect on the power of art, community, and serendipity that turned a spontaneous idea into a lasting legacy.

Amid our summer 2023 journey to Kyiv, we had the privilege of meeting Oksana from Revived by Unity, a beacon of hope in Ivano Frankivsk. This community-run humanitarian center offers vital support programs for displaced Ukrainians and their children, weaving together aid with a strong sense of togetherness. Their dedicated efforts create nurturing spaces where children can flourish despite the shadows of war. We are deeply grateful for their exceptional work, and together, we strive to support and uplift our communities toward a brighter future.

Through our Art Unites fundraiser, we raised over $63,000 to support orphaned children in Ukraine. Now, in partnership with Save Ukraine, that generosity is building a foster home in Irpin and funding therapy for children with disabilities. From creativity came care—and soon, a safe place to call home. Thank you for turning art into action.

Amid the challenges following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, we’re thrilled to share a beacon of positive news from Stepove. By reconstructing 1.2 kilometers of pipelines, we’ve restored clean and reliable water access to the community. This vital project was made possible through the generous support of the World Orphan Fund and Diamondback Energy.

Bird of Light Ukraine, in partnership with our dedicated allies, continues to work tirelessly to rebuild essential services and infrastructure for those affected. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support in bringing hope and relief to the people of Ukraine. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference.

On April 19, 2024, Bird of Light Ukraine successfully halted the Mariinsky Theater’s scheduled performance at Lincoln Center. Alerted by friends in the dance community about the Russian ballet’s appearance, we quickly mobilized local activist group Svitanok, supportive politicians, and influential business leaders. Viewing the performance as a cultural Trojan horse to normalize relations with Russia amid its unacceptable invasion of Ukraine, we organized a powerful protest. Dressed as a Russian ballet troupe, our demonstrators performed in front of a giant, blood-splattered portrait of Putin. Our collective efforts led to the cancellation of the ballet, underscoring that art should not be used to mask injustice or aggression.

In the heart of the Kryvyi Rih district, a new source of hope is flowing. Over 70,800 residents across seven communities are experiencing a significant improvement in living conditions and medical services. Thanks to the generous support of Diamondback Energy and the World Orphan Fund, the Kryvyi Rih Central District Hospital in Novomaiske now has a reliable water supply from a newly drilled 120-meter deep well equipped with modern pumping technology. An ongoing installation of a water purification system will soon ensure the hospital receives high-quality, potable water.

This project not only enhances medical care but also provides a stable water supply for the entire community, strengthening the region’s resilience and sustainability. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the benefactors who have made this possible. Together, we’re building a healthier and brighter future for the people of Kryvyi Rih.

Amidst the challenges of ongoing shelling and significant infrastructure damage, the resilient community of Voznesens’k—located just 30 km from the South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant—has found a new source of hope. Thanks to the generous support of DiamondBack Energy, Spivdiia, and The World Orphan Fund, we’ve successfully drilled two water wells in Rakove and Novohryhorivka, providing a total of 11 m³/hour of clean drinking water.

This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of water scarcity but also stands as a testament to the community’s strength and the power of collective action. We are committed to supporting Voznesens’k and other affected regions, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our donors and partners for their unwavering support. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Amid the chilly embrace of winter, we’ve wrapped Ukraine’s future—its children—in the warmth of hope and cozy jackets. Thanks to the generosity of the World Orphan Fund, 900 winter jackets have been lovingly sewn and delivered to orphaned and vulnerable kids on the front lines. We spread this warmth across the nation: 200 jackets to Odessa, 123 to Kharkiv, 11 to Ivano-Frankivsk, 250 to Dnipropetrovsk, and 300 handed over to the Coordination Center for the Development of Family Education and Child Care.

This heartfelt initiative doesn’t just shield them from the cold—it ignites smiles and brightens futures. Thank you for being a part of this journey to bring joy and comfort to the hearts of our children!

Discover how Bird of Light Ukraine is making a difference by donating tablets to underprivileged children in the Odessa and Mykolaiv regions. These tablets are crucial for remote learning in areas affected by shelling and infrastructure damage. Learn more about our initiative, supported by the World Orphan Fund, and how we’re helping children access education and communication during challenging times. Join us in bringing hope and change to these young lives.

In the wake of the Kahovka Dam catastrophe, Bird of Light Ukraine has brought renewed hope to Sofivska in the Krivih Rih Oblast by drilling a 90-meter deep well, providing clean water to 9,000 residents and revitalizing the regional hospital. This vital initiative, supported by Diamondback Energy and in collaboration with The World Orphan Fund and Spiv Diia, ensures that essential medical services can resume, fostering resilience and a brighter future for the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors and partners for making this transformative project possible.

This winter, we transformed unlivable houses into warm, welcoming homes for 15 internally displaced families in Ukraine. With the generous support of the World Orphan Fund, we equipped these homes with essential appliances, new windows and doors, and modern fixtures, ensuring comfort and safety for children and elders alike. From cozy beds and refrigerators to electric stove tops and hot water boilers, every addition has turned cold, empty shells into havens of hope and resilience. Watch our video report to witness the joy and gratitude of those we’ve helped, and join us in continuing to create brighter, more secure futures for families in need.

Small update on things here, we’re starting to dig wells for communities without water in the Krivih Rih region. Stay tuned for more wells to come!

We’re expecting to help over 100,000 people through this initiative at the moment.

In the aftermath of the Kahovka explosion, accessing clean, running water became a dire challenge for many Ukrainian communities. To overcome the limitations of water truck deliveries, Bird of Light Ukraine, in collaboration with the World Orphan Fund and Spiv Diia, provided a sustainable solution by installing 150 water containers with a total capacity of 150,000 liters in the Mykolaiv region. This initiative ensures that residents like Grandma Olga have reliable access to clean water, even if they miss a delivery. Beyond supplying water, these containers embody hope and resilience, bringing communities together in the face of adversity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and invite others to join us in supporting Ukraine’s resilient communities.