Three years ago, in the most difficult period for our country, hundreds of thousands of people united for a common goal – to preserve the sovereignty and future of our country. In the midst of these events, a number of volunteer initiatives emerged, among which the United Way Foundation took a special place. Founded in the early days of the war, it has become an example of effective work that can change people’s lives and support the country’s defense capabilities.
“We created the foundation realizing that we had to act immediately. At that moment, the future of our country was at stake. Our main task was to help, join forces and use all possible resources to win. Therefore, in the first days of the war, the Foundation united a team of professionals who decided to fight for the country’s future on their own initiative. Their path is a story of solidarity, perseverance and deep love for their native land,” recalls Pavlo Teslenko, the foundation’s head.
Defending Kyiv is the starting point of a great work
The United Nations Foundation began its activities by helping the defenders of Kyiv. In the first weeks of the war, when the enemy was approaching the capital, it was extremely important to create fortifications that could delay the offensive. The Foundation’s team, with the support of the Darnytsia Carriage Repair Plant (DCRP), organized the production of 589 anti-tank hedgehogs and 164 anti-squeeze strips, which were distributed to checkpoints in the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv.
“We worked closely with local territorial defense units. Everyone understood that the security of the capital depends on how quickly we can fortify the area,” Pavlo Teslenko recalls.
In addition to the production of fortifications, the foundation also handled logistics, delivery of humanitarian aid and tactical equipment for the 128th Battalion of the 112th Brigade of the TRO. This support became the basis for the foundation’s further activities. Even after Kyiv was defended, the foundation did not leave the DVRZ neighborhood unattended. In June 2022, after a rocket attack on the plant, when three production halls were damaged, the organization gathered more than 100 volunteers to clear the rubble.
“Back then, in the first months of the war, it was important not only to protect Kyiv, but also to preserve the spirit of the people who stood up to defend the state. Thanks to the quick response and coordinated work of the team, we managed to provide the soldiers with the necessary materials that became part of the great victory in the battle for the capital,” said Pavlo Teslenko.
Helping the military: equipment, gear and moral support
The main focus of the foundation’s activities has been to provide the Ukrainian military. Over the past three years, United Ukraine has implemented a number of projects related to the purchase of drones and electronic warfare equipment, vehicles, equipment, communications equipment, tactical first aid kits, military equipment, clothing, footwear, and vehicles for the front line. In total, the foundation’s team has helped dozens of units by delivering everything they need.
An important aspect of the foundation’s activities is not only providing the military with equipment, but also supporting their morale. Thus, in 2023, the foundation organized the transfer of 5 tons of aid for the military in Balakliya, and also provided kitchen equipment for the units. The foundation’s team works closely with military units to find out what they need at a particular time. This method allows us to use the funds raised as efficiently as possible.
Humanitarian activities and assistance to the affected cities
“United Way is known for its large-scale humanitarian aid programs. The foundation pays special attention to Kharkiv and the de-occupied territories such as Kupyansk and Balakliya.
From the first days of the liberation of these cities, the foundation’s team organized the delivery of humanitarian goods: food packages, medicines, and hygiene products. This help was a lifesaver for thousands of people who were left without basic necessities because of the fighting.
The Foundation helped to organize the delivery of 170 tons of humanitarian aid from UNICEF, which reached more than 1.5 million people in the Kharkiv region. This included food, medicines, children’s products, warm clothes, hygiene products and more.
To restore the energy infrastructure, heat and water supply to residential buildings in Kharkiv, United Way and Siemens Ukraine’s Digital Industry Department donated equipment to repair boiler houses of Kharkiv Heating Networks that were damaged by the fighting and to the pumping station of Kharkivvodokanal.
The Foundation also donated 40 tons of humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Kharkiv, provided Kupyansk residents with stoves and warm clothes, and organized the delivery of food and medicine to remote villages in Chernihiv Oblast that suffered during the occupation.
“We work where it is needed most. If we see that people are left without basic livelihoods, we will do everything possible to help them,” explains Pavlo Teslenko.
“We always focus on the specific needs of the military. Everything we send is the result of requests from the units. We are convinced that only a targeted approach provides real help. One of our key projects is also to help children of servicemen who are involved in combat operations, have been wounded or killed. The Foundation, together with the Minor Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, organizes trips for these children to resort areas in Western Ukraine. This is not just a vacation, it is an opportunity to return childhood to those whose lives have been forever changed by the war,” emphasizes Pavlo Teslenko.
He also noted that the program includes excursions, scientific experiments, creative activities, trainings and outdoor games. It not only gives children positive emotions, but also helps them restore their moral and psychological state, find new hobbies and support among their peers.
International support for the Foundation’s activities
The Foundation actively cooperates with international organizations and partners. In particular, thanks to the cooperation with the Polish company OTCF S.A., the Ukrainian military received 8200 sets of thermal underwear.
In addition, the foundation organized a meeting between Nebraska Senator Tom Brewer and the command of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the exchange of experience in the field of defense and the possibility of attracting American support for the Ukrainian army.
The team and achievements of the foundation
One of the features of United Way is its team. The foundation has brought together people from different fields: government officials, lawyers, financiers, engineers, politicians, and construction workers. Their experience allows us to quickly solve complex problems, ranging from cargo delivery logistics to legal support for charitable projects.
The Foundation always adheres to the principle of transparency. Thanks to regular reports, philanthropists know what their support is aimed at, and numerous awards of the founders, Pavlo Teslenko and Viacheslav Haidai, confirm the recognition of their work at the state level.
The foundation’s recent contributions include:
– The transfer of two ambulances and 200 tactical first aid kits for units in the combat zone;
– Anti-drone rifles with radars, which allow to effectively fight enemy drones;
– 18 pyramids for storing weapons and ammunition, 300 sets of tactical gloves, 300 sets of knee and elbow pads and 400 T-shirts for the 112th TRO Brigade.
– 350 heating stoves for the civilian population of Kharkiv.
– 1300 T-shirts, 200 pairs of socks, 400 sets of thermal underwear for the military in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions;
– SIMATIC Field PG M6 programmers, donated in cooperation with Siemens Ukraine, which are used to work with modern equipment.
Over the three years of its activity, the foundation and its head have received dozens of awards, including:
– Medal “For Defense of Ukraine”;
– Medal “For Contribution to Defense”;
– Medals “For Faithful Service” of the II and III degree;
– Cross of Honor from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;
– Medals “For the Defense of Kharkiv”;
– Medals “For assistance to the army”
– Badge “For the Defense of Kyiv”;
– Commendations from senior military leadership
– Commendations from the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
– Commendations from the Security Service of Ukraine (Alpha Special Forces)
– Certificates of appreciation from the mayors of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and other cities.
Looking to the future
“United Ukraine continues to develop, adapting its activities to new challenges. The main goal remains to support Ukraine’s defenders, help the victims and participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
“This work is our personal struggle for the future of the country. Every help and every cargo delivered is a contribution to the victory,” summarizes Pavlo Teslenko.
The Foundation calls on all those who care to join the common cause. For more details, please visit https://www.unitedukraine.org.ua/.
aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, CHARITY, foundation, HUMANITARIAN AID, United Way, Vyacheslav Gaidai, Павло Тесленко
