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.

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.

In response to the devastating Kahovka Dam catastrophe, Bird of Light Ukraine is committed to providing essential support to affected communities. We have procured six SCWT80 water pumps, powered by reliable Honda engines, to efficiently drain floodwater and address immediate challenges. Additionally, we acquired two wet hoses and six lower sleeves to enhance our relief efforts. This initiative, generously sponsored by the World Orphan Fund and supported by Spiv Diia, highlights our dedication to rebuilding and restoring lives. Through unity and resilience, we are making a meaningful difference in the path to recovery.

Amid the chaos of the early 2022 invasion, Bordyanka near Kyiv became a crucial battleground where Marina, director of the local Psychoneurological care facility, bravely protected her patients from being held hostage. Despite the turmoil, Marina provided unwavering care, fetched water, and mourned lost lives during their desperate evacuation. Thanks to the exceptional support of Barbara Friedman, we are helping Marina rebuild her facility by installing essential lighting and electrical appliances. Where once darkness overshadowed the halls, hope now shines brightly, even during rolling blackouts. Together, we honor Marina’s resilience and ensure a brighter, safer future for her community.