First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and the team of the Olena Zelenska Foundation met with Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov during his visit to Kyiv.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude to Denmark for its unprecedented support for Ukraine and the Foundation’s projects since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
"It was pleasing to hear from the Minister that, following our trip to Denmark in April this year and the presentation of the Foundation's initiatives, more and more Danish companies and foundations are willing to support Ukrainians through the Foundation’s projects. We carried out extensive preparatory work, and now we have tangible results: several Danish organizations are joining the implementation of two large-scale, long-term construction projects," said Olena Zelenska.
The A.P. Moller Support Foundation is allocating funds for the construction of 10 houses as part of the second phase of the Room for Childhood project, which the Foundation’s team plans to complete next year.
The LEGO Foundation, Lundbeck Foundation, Tuborg Foundation, Orient’s Steamship Company Foundation, DSV A/S, and Lauritzen Foundation will assist the Foundation in rebuilding the Children’s Creative and Sports Center in Borodyanka, Kyiv region. This center was destroyed by Russian invaders during the occupation of the town in the spring of 2022.
“Various Danish foundations have taken great responsibility and extended a helping hand, particularly to Ukrainian children whose childhood has been torn apart. I want to thank all the foundations for being part of this important work. This assistance is a testament to Denmark’s continued commitment to helping where we can," said Morten Bødskov.
Previously, with support from Danish partners, the Foundation’s team rebuilt a rehabilitation department at the Izyum hospital in the Kharkiv region. Danish organizations also funded the renovation and equipping of three school shelters in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
"One of our most heartfelt and emotional projects is Christmas on the Doorstep. Last year, with the support of Danish foundations and companies, we were able to bring joy to over 13,000 children from all foster and large foster families across Ukraine. The children received educational games, sweets, and toys for Christmas. We are deeply grateful to our Danish friends for this project, as it allowed us to create a celebration for children even in the midst of war," said Nina Horbachova, CEO of the Olena Zelenska Foundation.