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.

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.

Sometimes, big change doesn’t require big spending. Bird of Light Ukraine is working with one of the most underfunded orphanages in Chernivtsi to help revitalize the facility and bring a little bit more joy to the lives of these kids.

Our plan is to eventually change how orphanage care is conducted in Ukraine, introducing more foster care and making adoption easier, but that’s going to be a long term project. For now, we’re doing what we can to make the lives of these children a little bit better. Starting with where they live.

We also plan on reconstructing their playground. Click this link for more information on that!

12 UV light air filters were delivered to a local orphanage in Chernivtsi city for children under the age of 6.

These lamps will be used in baby rooms to sterilize rooms for babies to minimize airborne diseases and bacteria. This request came from the director of the facility as they have recently found themselves overwhelmed by orphans that were relocated to western Ukraine, or were orphaned as a result of the war.