“Children Dream of Peace the Most”: The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Brought a Holiday to Khmelnytskyi for Internally Displaced Children From Donetsk Region

“On the New Year holidays, I would like to have peace for us,” 10-year-old Milena shared her dream. The girl, together with other children, became a guest of a festive event organized by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in Khmelnytskyi region.

Children from Donetsk region are staying at the Smaragdove Misto (Emerald City) sanatorium and health centre for social rehabilitation, which was relocated from Sviatohirsk. All of them, despite having survived some wartime experiences, are waiting for a miracle very much. St. Nicholas, together with the Foundation’s team, presented this miracle to them, as part of the New Year Campaign Rinat Akhmetov for Children.

“The children who come to us dream of peace. They make the drawings of peace. Emerald City has been partnering with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation for 15 years. Representatives of the Foundation came to visit us at different times of the year. It always means a holiday, some gifts, and a good mood for children. Every child is waiting for a miracle in his or her life. Our children really lack it, especially now,” says Maryna Sikava, deputy director of the Emerald City centre. 

“We are thankful to the Foundation for not forgetting that there are such children who need special care. And you arrange a holiday for them,” adds Serhiy Artyushin, educator and social care teacher.

The young participants of the New Year’s event had a great time talking to the fabulous St. Nicholas, as well as the Angel and other magical characters who came to visit them. Each of the children shared their festive dream of peace.

“I really enjoyed the holiday event. It was very fun. I really want there to be no war in my hometown, in my beloved country, and for everyone to live peacefully,” said 10-year-old Zlata from Myrnohrad.

Children willingly participated in contests, sang, danced, cited poems, and received wonderful gifts. The holiday celebration left them with vivid impressions and warm memories. 

“I really liked it, and the candies are just delicious. I want the Armed Forces of Ukraine to win, I want peace!” says 11-year-old Oleksandra. 

The New Year Campaign Rinat Akhmetov for Children is a tradition of kindness and help, spanning more than 20 years. Every winter during the holiday season, the Foundation greets internally displaced children, children from orphanages, family-type children’s homes, children who underwent rehabilitation after injury, as well as those who lost their parents in the war. The assistance is not limited to holidays. The Foundation implements educational, health-recovery, rehabilitation, psychological and motivational projects for children all year round.

Follow the course of the Campaign here: https://akhmetovfoundation.org/news