Small Beginnings, Grand Impact: How a Local Initiative’s Rise to International Charity

The Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine is in process of expanding its Board of Directors in the Netherlands to strengthen its mission and support more Ukrainian children affected by the war.

The Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine takes care of children who have lost their parents (or one of them) as a result of the war for various reasons. These are children of both military and civilians.

As of February 2024, more than 7,860 children are under the Foundation’s care, and the total amount of assistance provided since the Foundation’s inception has reached $7,680,903. Given the ongoing hostilities and war, the Foundation expects the number of children under its care to increase to 10,000 or more.

The Fund assists children and their families in the following main areas: emergency care, medical care, humanitarian support, socialization, training and development, mentoring, and career assistance. 

Currently, the Fund has three directors who are legally registered. Nevertheless, in alignment with the organization’s strategic plans and development goals, additional members are set to join the board shortly. The intention is to formally register all board members, enabling their active participation in strategic decision-making and providing guidance for the foundation’s future activities.

‘In Europe, we often underestimate the extent of the damage caused by the war in Ukraine and the immense pain and suffering endured by its people. However, for those of us who consider ourselves conscious and socially responsible, it is imperative to extend our love and support to Ukrainian children who have lost their parents due to this devastating war. The light of hope may have dimmed in their eyes, but we can reignite it with compassion and care. Our primary objective is to assist them in constructing a future that overcomes the significant challenges they face’ – says Yves Barraquand, director-to-be of the Board of Directors  of the  Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine. 

The Board of Directors at  Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine comprises distinguished individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Their combined experience in finance, management, education, and business plays a crucial role in the organization’s success, enabling the provision of education, emotional support, and financial assistance to children who have lost a parent or both parents due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Taking the lead in championing the cause for Ukrainian children, they are actively making a positive impact in the lives of these young individuals.

This esteemed group includes:

• Danilo Yakub, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine, Senior Partner and COO at Diligent Capital Partners.
• Jorrit Dingemans, Director of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine, Principal Investment Officer Private Equity at FMO.
• Francis Malige, Managing Director of Financial Institutions, Managing Director in Ukraine (2014-2018) at EBRD, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.
• Gennady Gazin, Chairman of the Genesis Philanthropy Group, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.
• Katherine Darakova, Director of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine, Customer Value Director at Ofi.
• Robert Manson, Harvard Alumni Association Board Member, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.
• Yves Barraquand, General Manager of the group CMR, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.
• Oksana Strashna, Founder/Advisory Practice of ASPIRUM, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.
• Natalya Gonchar, Business Development and Commercial Assessment Lead, CEERJ Central & Eastern Europe & Japan, expected to join the Board of Directors of the Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine.

Through strategic planning and thoughtful execution, they navigate the complexities of humanitarian efforts, ensuring that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the children it serves.

‘We firmly believe in the extraordinary potential of every child. The Stichting Children of Heroes of Ukraine is a vital bridge, empowering its beneficiaries to cultivate the future they deserve, even in adversity. The expansion of our efforts reflects the pressing nature of the current situation and the escalating needs of children who have fallen victim to the ravages of war. Our overarching mission is to assist them in constructing a future that transcends the formidable challenges they encounter’, – says Danilo Yakub, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Netherland).

Besides, Children of Heroes  have established  charity foundations in Ukraine and the United States, boasting a verified non-profit status following local regulations. Within each of these nations, the charitable organization has instituted boards of directors featuring representatives from Ukrainian and international business sectors and influential leaders. This meticulously designed structure ensures a strong and varied governance system dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of creating a substantial positive influence in the lives of those it serves.