Rinat Akhmetov - the most famous philanthropist of Ukraine

On Monday, October 1st, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated. From the first days of the conflict in the Donbas Region, Rinat Akhmetov took care of the most needy people. Older people in the region were on the fringes of survival, so Rinat Akhmetov’s help was a salvation for them. According to the latest research by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), 85% of Donbass residents who received assistance from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation believe that they could not have survived without it. Every day, the Center receives letters, calls and addresses with words of gratitude for salvation. A significant part of them are from the elderly.

 “With all my heart I thank Rinat Leonidovich. A deep bow to you for  rescuingthe inhabitants of the village of Granitnoe from starvation”, said a local resident, retired Fedir Markovich

Roman Rubchenko, Director of the Foundation, explained, that since the first days of the armed conflict, the largest program of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, the Humanitarian Center, helps civilians every day and actually saves the most vulnerable people from hunger: the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

“When Rinat Akhmetov decided to create the Humanitarian Center, he said that the main task was to help people affected by the hostilities inDonbas. To help efficiently and on time, instantly make decisions and work 24/7 with “help here and now” has been the principle for those who need it most”, the Director of the Foundation said.

Thanks to humanitarian aid from Rinat Akhmetov, more than a million people have been saved. This support cannot be measured in money, because in the first place it amounts to human lives. According to Rubchenko, Ukrainians know and trust the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation: according to KIIS, more than 90% of Ukrainians know about its activities.This is 10% more than the second-ranking International Red Cross.

The work of the Humanitarian Center is positively assessed by 72% of the population.

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s activity was highly appreciated not only in Ukraine, but also abroad.

Alexander Hug, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Ukraine said “I want to express respect to those organizations that help civilians on both sides of the line of conflict. For example, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, whose support will ease the lives of those in need. I am glad that they continue to provide assistance.”

Ivane Bochorishvili, Deputy Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ukraine, noted the great importance of the humanitarian activities of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in Donbas.

“The charity foundation has been helping people from beginning of the conflict inDonbas for so many years. In addition, it exchanges information with other international organizations. It is in our interests, because we want people to get the help they really need. What the Foundation does for residents of Donbass is invaluable”, Bochorishvili said.