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.

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.

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 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.