Charity run in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia raises nearly $3,000 for combat drones

What is the problem?

Drones are a striking power of the Ukrainian military and an essential tool to perform difficult combat operations. These devices can not only do recon but also destroy the enemy and save personnel lives.

What is the solution?

On September 9, the BTU-Center and the MHP-Hromada Charitable Foundation held a charity family race, "To Victory," in Ukraine's central Ladyzhyn to raise funds for drones. The soldiers of the 46th airborne brigade, who are now actively participating in the counteroffensive, will soon receive the indispensable devices.

How does it work?

The event brought together 416 participants, including teachers, volunteers, doctors, and military families. People of all ages and professions joined the rally to support the soldiers.

Children were the first to start the race. Young participants aged 5 to 10 years ran 200 meters, and 10 to 16 years – 1 km. Adults covered the distance of 1, 3, and 5 km.

Around 145 children took part in the race. The youngest, Oleksandr, is less than two years old but ran a competition with his grandmother. Along with Ladyzhyn citizens,  guests of the city joined the race too.

A soldier of the 46th separate brigade, for which funds were raised, also ran the rally.

The participants raised around $3,000 to purchase drones for the soldiers and also gifted a vehicle to quickly transport the personnel.

It was the first time we initiated and organized a charity race. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of participants. We also stand for activity, movement, and sports. So we are glad that there were many families with children, because the race encourages a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

We are happy that we managed to hold a useful event, unite the community for a common goal and raise funds for drones for our soldiers, says Vladyslav Bolokhovsky, CEO of BTU Center.

This race is a clear sign that when businesses and the community come together, the effectiveness of assistance increases. One of the tasks of socially responsible business is to find ways to transfer people's energy in the right direction, giving them something in return: good emotions from running and a sense of unity for a common cause, commented Tatiana Volochai, Director of the MHP-Hromada Charitable Foundation.