In times of war, the impact is widespread, prompting people to seek not only their own safety but also to reach out to those who cannot voice their suffering. In Zhytomyr, there lives a remarkable volunteer whose journey embodies true dignity, resilience, and an immense capacity for compassion. Her name is Svitlana Kushnir, and for years, she has selflessly dedicated her life to the care and protection of animals in need.
From a young age, Svitlana felt a deep compassion for animals, which blossomed into a lifelong passion. As a child, she often found herself nurturing abandoned or injured creatures, driven by an instinctive desire to help, even if she didn't always know the right way to do it. Each small, heartfelt gesture reflected her sincerity and dedication. Over the years, this tender affection evolved, leading her to formally join a public organisation as a volunteer, where she could have an even greater impact on the lives of animals in need.
Svitlana’s journey into philanthropy began unexpectedly and heartwarming through social media. While browsing Instagram, she stumbled upon the page of a local animal shelter, which sparked a deep sense of compassion in her. Inspired by the stories of the vulnerable animals in need, she felt compelled to take action and organized her very first fundraiser. With the goal of collecting food and donations through Monobank, she reached out to her community, and to her delight, hundreds of kind-hearted individuals responded. Together, they united in a beautiful show of generosity, successfully raising nearly one ton of animal feed to support those in need, making a real difference in the lives of the shelter animals.
In 2023, in the wake of the heartbreaking destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant and the devastating flooding in the Kherson region, Svitlana felt a deep calling to help. With immense courage, she embarked on a journey to assist with evacuation efforts, managing to rescue over 60 animals, many of whom were suffering from injuries or trauma due to the explosions. Her selfless actions sparked a powerful outpouring of support from the community. Through beauty studios and social media platforms, generous individuals came together to donate food, medications, and financial aid. An astounding nearly 300,000 hryvnias were raised, alongside one and a half tons of animal feed, all of which were delivered to a dedicated shelter in the Dnipropetrovsk region, providing relief to animals evacuated from the frontline areas. This collective spirit of compassion showcased the best of humanity in the face of tragedy.
Svitlana's unwavering dedication to helping animals in Zhytomyr and the surrounding region is truly inspiring. Every day, she responds to heartfelt pleas from individuals who come across sick, injured, or abandoned animals in desperate need of care. With compassion at the forefront of her efforts, Svitlana organizes safe transportation to veterinary clinics, ensuring these vulnerable creatures receive the medical attention they require. She selflessly takes on the roles of financial coordinator and guardian, providing them with the love and support they deserve during their time of need. Many of the most heart wrenching situations we encounter involve animals that have been injured in traffic accidents. For some of these brave creatures, undergoing spinal surgeries can amount to a staggering cost of up to 120,000 hryvnias. These critical treatments are made possible through the generous support of individuals who rally together and share our mission on social media.
Thanks to Svitlana’s heartfelt initiative, a compassionate fundraising campaign was launched to create warm doghouses and insulated “cat homes”. As a result, dozens of shelters for stray animals are now being established across the city and region, offering vital protection and comfort during the harsh winter months. This effort not only provides physical shelter but also brings hope and warmth to those in need. One of the most meaningful aspects of her work is the quest to find loving, permanent homes for abandoned and lonely animals. People share heartbreaking photos of these animals with her, and Svitlana responds with compassion, posting heartfelt appeals to connect them with new families. She goes the extra mile by assisting with food, vaccinations, and sterelazation. Through her dedicated efforts, she not only saves the lives of these vulnerable creatures but also plays a vital role in reducing the number of stray animals in the community, bringing hope and care where it is most needed. Svitlana Kushnir’s dedication goes beyond mere volunteer work; it embodies a deep sense of compassion and dignity. In the face of hardship, she chooses to extend her hand to those in need, supporting fellow volunteers throughout the Zhytomyr region, including Cherniakhiv, Baranivka, and Pulyny. Together, they deliver essential food supplies and provide crucial funding for vaccinations, sterilizations, and medical treatments. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness can have, illuminating even the darkest times. KRISTINA IVASHKOVA