Shortly before our anniversary celebration, we were approached by the “Saving an Angel” Foundation, founded by Rea Garvey, together with the organization Helping Hands, to support a humanitarian project in Ukraine. The goal was to build a bakery for a children’s home located about two hours by car from Kyiv.

Several hundred children live in the home. Many of them have lost their parents or were evacuated from the war-affected regions in eastern Ukraine. The bakery was intended to become a place that would not only provide fresh bread but also create opportunities and hope for the future.

Together with our partners, we decided to bring this project to life. Thanks to the support of many donors and volunteers, a fully equipped bakery was built within just two months. The planning and on-site implementation were managed by Ivan Stuckert from Helping Hands. The technical equipment was organized by our project manager, Oliver Flodman, and transported to Ukraine by truck from our central warehouse near Braunschweig.

More Than Just Bread

Today, the bakery does much more than supply the children’s home with fresh baked goods. It also creates employment opportunities and teaches valuable skills. Women from the surrounding region were trained on-site to produce larger quantities of bread and baked goods. This training program continues to be supported by volunteer professionals.

For the local community, the bakery represents far more than a source of food. It provides a sense of independence, dignity, and hope during a time marked by uncertainty and hardship.

Help That Makes a Difference

What is particularly inspiring is the dedication of the people on the ground. Today, the children’s home is largely self-sufficient in many areas: it produces its own fuel, cultivates its own fields, and organizes daily operations collectively. Everyone contributes to creating a safe and supportive home for the children.

Our journey to Ukraine deeply moved us. Meeting the children, volunteers, and local families showed us how important direct and sustainable aid truly is. This project represents what can be achieved when people work together: giving hope, building a future, and supporting those facing difficult circumstances.