The Kyiv Expocenter served as the venue for bringing together volunteers and staff of the Ukrainian Red Cross during a charity run. The event, dedicated to the 108th anniversary of the organization’s founding, aimed to raise funds to support Ukrainian veterans. The symbolic 1.8-kilometer distance reflected the long historical journey of an institution that remains by the side of those in need during the most critical moments in the country’s history.
The Origins of the Humanitarian Mission and the Challenges of the Past Century
The organization’s history began on April 18, 1918, in Kyiv, when the Ukrainian Red Cross began operating as an independent institution. The first decades of its work were marked by efforts to address the massive humanitarian crises of the 1920s, notably through the establishment of a network of free soup kitchens and the distribution of food rations to the most vulnerable segments of the population. In the 1930s, efforts focused on developing a medical network that included pharmacies, clinics, and first-aid stations, which later enabled the rapid deployment of aid at the front during World War II.
The postwar period required the systematic restoration of destroyed hospitals and the creation of new services. In 1961, a home-visit service for medical and social support was established, and 1986 proved a test of resilience during the cleanup of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. At that time, volunteers facilitated evacuations and provided medical and psychological assistance to thousands of families. With the attainment of independence, the organization gained international recognition, which allowed it to integrate into the global humanitarian system and develop modern initiatives, such as the Tracing Service to reunite relatives separated by war.
Reintegration Strategy and Social Adaptation of Defenders
Since 2014, the organization’s activities have been entirely focused on the challenges of war, and the full-scale invasion of 2022 shifted all departments to round-the-clock operations. Executive Director Maksym Dotsenko emphasizes that the charity run has a profound social significance.
“There are a hundred of us here today, but we must remember that there are thousands of volunteers and staff members across Ukraine. The main goal of the run is to help our veterans. It’s about recognizing their contribution, showing respect, and facilitating their transition to civilian life,” the organization’s head emphasizes
The funds raised during the marathon are directed toward implementing physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery programs for former servicemen. The projects cover not only the soldiers themselves but also their family members, ensuring a comprehensive approach to social adaptation. Maksym Dotsenko notes that the symbolism of the date and distance underscores the enduring nature of the mission:
“A distance of 1.8 km and 108 years of history—the Ukrainian Red Cross is always there for those in need.”
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The role of visual recognition in a crisis
The effectiveness of aid delivery often depends on how quickly a person in need can identify a volunteer. Designer Marina Marakova, who has been with the team for two years, is responsible for the brand’s visual identity. She is convinced that every visual element serves a practical purpose in terms of safety.
“I chose this path because I want to be useful to society. I’m a graphic designer and I’m responsible for ensuring that people recognize us, understand our brand, and know who to turn to in emergency situations,” explains Marina
In addition to developing visual standards, the team is actively involved in educational activities. Marina notes that the organization conducts numerous workshops. These cover mine safety, psychosocial support, and training on how to properly administer first aid—all of which raise public awareness. The red cross on a white background allows citizens not only to identify humanitarian mission representatives by their symbols but also to independently apply their first aid knowledge until specialists arrive.
The work of rapid response teams in extreme conditions
The experience of saving lives firsthand is forged in the most challenging conflict zones. Dmytro Lochko, a member of the emergency response unit, joined the team in the early days of the full-scale invasion. His mission began with the evacuation of civilians from previously occupied territories in the Kyiv region and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid.
“On February 25, 1922 (2022), I drove my ambulance to the base. We had to do something right then and there,” Dmytro recalls.
Today, the unit carries out a wide range of tasks: from responding to shelling sites in the capital to the complex medical transport of bedridden patients across Ukraine. A separate focus is the “East” mission, which operates directly near the front lines, providing logistics and evacuation for the most vulnerable groups of citizens. The professionalism of the specialists allows them to sustain the livelihoods of entire communities that have been isolated due to hostilities.
Fostering a Culture of Active Giving at VDNG
The program of the event at VDNG demonstrated that philanthropy can be successfully integrated into urban life through active recreation. After the race, participants had the opportunity to join themed workshops and volunteer panels. This format of interaction strengthens internal ties within the community and creates a space for direct dialogue between donors and mission implementers. Combining a century of experience with modern social initiatives allows the Ukrainian Red Cross to remain a key element of the humanitarian security system, uniting thousands of people for the sake of the country’s shared future.
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