Contribution to the return of 20 deported children to Ukraine - EUR 20,000 (28 May 2024)
Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, 19.546 children have been identified as deported by Russia. Children are abducted and transferred to Russian orphanages. Their identities are changed and through a fast-track process Russian families adopt them. The exact number of displaced children estimates at 200.000-300.000. The Orphans Feeding Foundation (OFF) works with the presidential office of Ukraine to return children in the “Bring Kids Back UA” programme. CEO Mariam Lambert explains the process after winning an award for the OFF Stolen Voices campaign.
OFF built a strong network to help trace and identify the missing children and set up a method for their return. The organization follows up with each family to provide them with administrative, financial, medical and psychological support afterwards for as long as required. De Boomgaard supports the return and mental shelter of 20 children. In September 2024 in total 48 children have been reunited with their families in Ukraine. The purpose for this year is to take this number up to 60. A dedicated team is active in both Ukraine and Russia, also to prevent further abductions.
One of the saved children is Sascha A boy who saw his mother and brother being burnt in their car as they were fleeing occupied territories. During the occupation, Sascha was abused for child labour. OFF was able to return him to his aunt outside the occupied territories. They found him an internship in a car repair shop and pay for his studies. He undergoes intensive trauma therapy to get his life back on track. Sascha got the BMX bike he always dreamt about for his birthday. He received many private messages with support from the best bikers in the world.
