Project for Evacuating Ukrainian Orphans During the War Sets a World Record

August 21, 2024

The project "Childhood Without War," initiated by the Charitable Foundation "Ruslan Shostak Foundation," has gained international recognition, setting a record in the World Book of Records (WBR) for the largest evacuation of orphans during a war since World War II.

Thanks to the efforts of the team, volunteers, and partners, nearly 2,700 orphans, children deprived of parental care, their guardians and caregivers, as well as children in difficult life circumstances, were rescued at the start of the war. They were provided with safe refuge on the Mediterranean coast. This massive effort required nine planes, over 90 buses, and 24 train carriages. During the summer and fall of 2023, the "Childhood Without War" project also provided an opportunity for almost 800 more children and their guardians to receive rehabilitation in Turkey.

The children receive balanced and nutritious meals five times a day, along with medical and psychological services. Their lives are filled with various cultural and entertainment programs, and they are fully equipped with the necessary materials and facilities for their education.

A short documentary film, SAVE GENERATION UA, was made about the "Childhood Without War" project. It has won awards at prestigious international film festivals, including the Luleå International Film Festival, İstanbul International Spring Film Festival, and the Washington West Film Festival in the USA.

The World Book of Records (WBR) is an international organization that documents and recognizes achievements by individuals, groups, and organizations worldwide in various fields. It acknowledged the contribution of the "Childhood Without War" project as exceptional and worthy of a world record.

Ruslan Shostak, President of TERWIN Corporation, founder and co-owner of the EVA and VARUS retail chains, remarked:
"Of course, our goal was never to set a world record or gain global recognition. Our sole aim has always been, and remains, to save Ukrainian children from the war. At the beginning of the project, we were only thinking about how to evacuate thousands of children and provide them with safe and comfortable living conditions. Without the involvement of partners, volunteers, and the help of international organizations, we would not have achieved anything. Therefore, the world record is a reward for everyone who contributed to the project. From the first ladies of the two countries, whose agreement started it all, to the Embassy of Ukraine in Turkey, the Consulate of Ukraine in Antalya, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, to the Ukrainian and Turkish businesses and charitable organizations that have been helping to ensure the safety of Ukrainian orphans for 2.5 years. I especially want to thank the project's staff, for whom this became their life, and caring for the children their mission. I am confident that the best reward for them is not the record, but the thousands of grateful eyes of Ukrainian children."

This record was made possible through the active support of numerous partners and organizations, including: Nova Ukraine, Eva, Varus, Kızılay, Charitable Foundation "KOLO", Nataliya Kholodenko, Visa, Lactalis, Ruta, Philips AVENT, Beiersdorf, Imperia Holding, Waikiki, METRO, Schneider Electric, Onur Group, Splat, San Clean, iHH, IOM, Save the Children Ukraine, Rotaract, Lions, Özdoğu Sarp, Ekovar Environmental Group, Valet, Kilit, Hospitality Group, Charitable Foundation "They Are Unbreakable", Unilever, Silpo, Ülker, Gelato, UNWLA, BLONDI, Milller&Smith, LLC "Henkel Ukraine", Tuid, SGDD-ASAM, Wells Fargo NY, Church USA, Charitable Organization HelpPeopleOfUkraine Foundation, FC "Kolos", the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, and many others.