Zaporizhzhia: Restoring Dignity to the Displaced

Pillar: Relief & Community Recovery | Mission Volume: 800+ Units

On August 20, 2025, Bird of Light Ukraine distributed over 800 food boxes in Zaporizhzhia.

While the frontline has shifted, Zaporizhzhia remains the primary sanctuary for families fleeing the occupied territories of the south. The city is currently home to thousands of IDPs who have lost their homes in the Vasylivka, Polohy, and Melitopol districts. For these families, this delivery is not just about calories; it is about receiving aid with respect.

Nadezhda’s Story During this distribution, we met Nadezhda from the village of Hladke (Vasylivka district). Her story illustrates exactly why we do this work.

Nadezhda spent a month and a half under occupation, living in a cellar with seven children, five grandchildren, and the family dog—14 lives crowded into the dark while explosions destroyed their village above.

"We had nothing. We survived on canned food and potatoes. When those monsters arrived about two weeks later... they called us to receive bread. They threw us a single tiny loaf of dark bread for 14 people, as if we were dogs. I will never forget that day."

We are deeply grateful to Diamondback Energy and The World Orphan Fund for funding this mission. Their support allows us to stand with women like Nadezhda, replacing the memory of hunger and humiliation with the reality of support and solidarity. Thank you to VPO Ukraine for organizing the logistics to reach these families in their new temporary homes.