LUkraine Vice-President Inna Yaremenko (far left) speaks with Dr Volodymyr Zhovnir (second from right) in Kyiv, Ukraine; Credit: LUkraine

LUkraine Asbl has called for support in reaching its €20,000 fundraising target for the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv.

The Luxembourg-based non-profit organisation launched its fundraiser on 8 July 2024 in response to the deadly Russian air strikes on multiple Ukrainian cities earlier that same day. More than 40 civilians were killed and at least 170 were injured in the strikes. Among the buildings hit by the missiles was the country's largest children’s hospital, Okhmatdyt.

At the time of writing, LUkraine's fundraising campaign had raised more than €15,500 (thanks to 117 donations). This includes a €5,000 donation from Orthopédie Felten, a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of custom prostheses, orthoses and orthopaedic devices. Speaking to Chronicle.lu, LUkraine Vice-President Inna Yaremenko said the non-profit hoped this gesture would encourage other businesses in Luxembourg to support the campaign.

Inna is currently in Ukraine, where she visited Okhmatdyt hospital and spoke with its director, Dr Volodymyr Zhovnir. The latter stated: "This isn't just a terrorist attack or a criminal offence. It's something that's beneath human decency." He lamented how the attacks had targeted mothers and sick children who had come to the hospital "seeking hope". Dr Zhovnir added that one hospital building had been "completely destroyed" and six others were damaged.

Inna, standing in front of the hospital in Kyiv, described the scenes as "more than heartbreaking". However, she stressed that it also "gives us [strength] to continue our fight […]. We are stronger, we have soul, and we will win one day". She urged businesses and individuals in Luxembourg to support LUkraine's fundraising campaign: "I ask you: keep going, donate, help us to save more lives".

Inna confirmed to Chronicle.lu that LUkraine would use the money raised to purchase "special medical equipment for the dermatology department", as requested by the hospital according to its needs.

To support the campaign, visit the dedicated donation page here.

(Photo credit: LUkraine)