Luba and her foster family - How it all began

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, they have been hiding in the basement in the Kiev region.

We supported Luba, a girl from Ukraine, 5 years ago as part of an orphan hosting programme. At the time, she had left the local orphan programme and was essentially living on the streets, but was lucky enough to be taken in by a great foster family at short notice.

Her new foster parents Oksana and Alexey gave her a real home, an opportunity to finish school. For the first time, Luba had a safe place and a loving family. So she could concentrate on pursuing a career. Before the war broke out, she worked as a hairdresser and stylist in Kiev.

Her foster parents also care for more than 10 other children. Just a few weeks ago, they took in a boy with special needs who required major surgery.

After the war began, the entire family - 4 adults and 15 children - hid in the basement of their house in the Kiev region. There were explosions and constant gunfire outside. Oksana told me that the shops have been empty since Wednesday. They did have supplies, but even these run out at some point. Even in peacetime, they could barely make ends meet (despite state support for some foster children). Oksana, Alexey and the older children normally go to work to make ends meet.

𝐖𝐢𝐞 𝐞𝐬 𝐣𝐞𝐭𝐳𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐡𝐭

All of them have now been brought safely to Germany. We have actually managed to get a house in Brensbach for the whole family. They arrive there today.

Thank you, wonderful helpers, thank you for your commitment - you save lives and make it possible for children's hearts to shine again...

𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧

Now we're collecting more clothes and toys and getting the first shopping done so that the first few days are a bit carefree.he are. A great donation has already come from Nina Rosenkranz from Picconina SecondHand children's clothing and riding equipment  - Thank you for that!

Greetings from the heart,

Your Klaudia