What we have accomplished
- 1992
- Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj and her husband Andy Cottrell adopt a child from Ukraine. Both are appalled at the condition orphanages in Ukraine and the fate of children residing in them.
- 1993
- Ruslana and Andy decide to try to help in some way. Begin to collect clothing and goods. Humanitarian aid deliveries begin on a small scale; goods are packed and stored in garages and delivered in suitcases to Ukraine.
- 1994
- Larger distribution routes are organized, delivering to approximately 60 orphanages. Small group of volunteers raises funds, packs containers for sipment to Ukraine to deliver aid personally to the orphanages.
- Help Us Help The Children (HUHTC) Project is formalized under the umbrella of the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund. Receives endorsement and support from the Canadian Government.
- 1995
- Founders' meeting and registration of first charitable organization in newly independent Ukraine - Blahodiynyj Fond "Tovarystvo Pryjateli Ditej"
- Rundraising activities expanded to include fashion shows, telethons, etc.
- 1996
- First camp organized for 125 children in the Carpathian mountains.
- Prosthetic devices and dental supplies and services included in support provided to Ukraine.
- 1997
- Summer camp initiative continues with the involvement of volunteers from Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg and USA.
- First Fundraising Gala held in Canada followed shortly by Fundraising Gala in Kyiv, Ukraine under the auspices of the National Bank of Ukraine.
- HUHTC organizes first conference for orphanage directors and managers to introduce modern management techniques and child development practices. Association of Directors of Orphanages established.
- 1998
- Affiliate organizations expand across Canada USA.
- Summer camps expanded to include 250 children.
- Train the trainer programs esptablished for caregivers in childrens' institutions in Ukraine.
- 1999
- Number of orphanages receiving HUHTC aid grows to 190.
- Association of Orphanage Directors registered in Ukraine.
- First scholarships established for post secondary education of gifted children in orphanages.
- 2000 - 2003
- Number of American volunteers reaches 200 encompassing all ages.
- Summer camps expanded to 400-500 participants each year.
- Number of children in institutions receiving assistance grows to 30,000.
- Number of institutions assisted exceeds 200.
- Post-secondary program fomalized; provides ongoing assistance to gifted students.
- Humanitarian aid provided since 1993 reaches close to $12,500,000.
- Ongoing prosthetic and dental programs.
- Computer training program initiated; 20 computers distributed to ophanages in 2002; another 20 computers to be distributed in 2003.
- 2003
- 10 years celebration of achievements and volunteerism.
- 2003
- HUHTC ATI is initiated to address the exploitation that many orphans may be faced with when they leave the orphanage.
