Ukraine launches an initiative aimed at overcoming orphanhood and supporting large foster families
Ruslan Shostak, President of TERWIN Corporation, founder and co-owner of the EVA and VARUS retail chains, and founder of the Shostak Foundation charity fund, won in the Philanthropist of the Year category at the national Charitable Ukraine competition for his significant contribution to the development of philanthropy in Ukraine.
Ruslan Shostak was recognized for large-scale projects aimed at supporting the Armed Forces and helping orphans. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he established the Shostak Foundation, which implements two major initiatives — Childhood Without War and HeroCar.
Thanks to the Childhood Without War initiative, more than 3,500 Ukrainian orphans and their caregivers found safe refuge in Türkiye. For 1,000 days, they lived in hotels on the Mediterranean coast, receiving everything they needed for education, development, and a comfortable life. This became the largest evacuation of orphans in Europe since World War II, and the project was included in the World Record Book.
Since the beginning of the war, HeroCar has delivered over 720 vehicles to the front lines, as well as a unique NATO-standard vessel — the Griffon Barbara. For its substantial contribution and active support of the army, the project has received letters of gratitude and commendations from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Helping Ukraine today is, above all, an act of humanity. Each of us, in our own way, is doing the same thing — caring for the safety and well-being of our people. We provide humanitarian and psychosocial assistance, helping others endure this difficult time for all of us. Our charity once again proves that kindness knows no boundaries — it unites those who act with their hearts. It has become a way of life that shapes a culture of philanthropy in Ukraine. I sincerely believe that this award greatly nurtures that culture. I also hope our charitable work will become increasingly strategic, focusing on meaningful social change. I believe Ukraine and Ukrainians will become even stronger — an even greater embodiment of generosity and humanity for the entire world. And the world, in turn, will not remain indifferent,” said Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, during the ceremony.
“I am deeply grateful for this honor. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, my focus has been on the army and the most vulnerable — above all, orphans. I firmly believe that today everyone must do their utmost to support our country. We must preserve our statehood — because without Ukraine, there is no us, and without us, there is no Ukraine. At the same time, I would have been glad not to win this award, but to take last place in the race to be a philanthropist — because Ukraine needs more and more benefactors, as the needs and directions for help are truly immense,” said Ruslan Shostak, President of TERWIN Corporation.
The Charitable Ukraine competition, organized by the Association of Philanthropists of Ukraine since 2007, annually honors the best initiatives in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. The Philanthropist of the Year nomination recognizes individuals for their personal contribution to the development of humanitarian efforts, support for the army, education, and children, as well as for their consistent philosophy of patronage.
The goal of the competition is to promote and support the best examples of charitable activity, unite active citizens, companies, foundations, and volunteers, improve communication between donors and beneficiaries, expand opportunities for cooperation, and highlight the most effective charitable organizations, projects, and practices of the year.