Lviv Launches Annual ‘Caring 2026’ Award Honoring Community Support Efforts

Introduction of Lviv’s New Social Award: Caring 2026

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In 2026, the city of Lviv introduced the inaugural edition of its annual social prize, ‘Caring 2026’, recognizing individuals and teams dedicated to social work and providing assistance to children, families, the elderly, veterans, people with disabilities, and those facing challenging life circumstances. This award aims to highlight and encourage community-driven support initiatives within the city.

From 45 applications submitted across six categories, 42 nominees-both individuals and teams-were considered for this prestigious honor. Winners received a specially designed silver pin, created by Ukrainian artist and illustrator Serhiy Maidukov, which visually represents the spirit of the award.

The award categories for Caring 2026 include:

• Guardian of Childhood
• Community Pillar
• Unity in Care
• Social Bridge
• Ambassador of the Profession
• Goodness Nearby

Honorees of the 2026 Award

The Guardian of Childhood category was awarded to Iryna Shemechko, head of the Family Support Department at the Social Services and Rehabilitation Center “Dzherelo.” The Community Pillar award went to Halyna Skipalska, director of HealthRight International’s Ukrainian office, alongside Liubov Tsop, leader of the Olga Tsipanovska Center for Integral Care of Women in Crisis Situations. Winners in Unity in Care were the charitable foundations “Where Hope Lives,” “Ridni,” and the Dzherelo center’s social services team.

Taking the Social Bridge award was the charitable organization Center for Volunteering and Protection. In the Ambassador of the Profession category, Yulia Klym, organizer of cultural and leisure activities at the Dzherelo Social Services Center, was honored. The Goodness Nearby category celebrated veteran Ostap Frankiv, who returned to an active lifestyle and sports following severe injury and amputation. Additionally, a posthumous award in this category was given to Oksana Bryndzak, founder and leader of the NGO “Joyful Aging.”

“Caring is Lviv’s new annual social recognition, established in 2026,” announced the Lviv City Council.

This initiative is designed to support and acknowledge those making meaningful contributions to social development and assistance across diverse groups within the community. By spotlighting these efforts, the award emphasizes the vital role social work plays in today’s society.

The introduction of the Caring 2026 award serves not only as recognition but also as motivation for increased social engagement throughout Ukraine’s cities. It encourages the growth of social programs and fosters community resilience by inspiring more people to participate in social support activities, which are essential for strengthening local communities.