How Ukrainian Cafes and Restaurants Are Rallying to Support Families of Seriously Ill Children

Joining Forces for a Cause: The GOSTINNI Charity Campaign

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Across Ukraine, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries are stepping up to back the GOSTINNI initiative launched by the Zaporuka Foundation, which provides crucial aid to families caring for children undergoing intensive medical treatment. This campaign offers multiple ways for businesses to contribute, including:

• selling special charity dishes
• offering exclusive desserts
• hosting fundraising dinners
• making regular financial donations

The campaign remains active as the Zaporuka Foundation continues expanding its network of Family Homes called “Dacha” in Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro. These homes offer free accommodation and comprehensive support for families with critically ill children.

Local Businesses Making an Impact

In September, five new establishments joined the GOSTINNI initiative. Among them was the Happy Bakery chain, operating in Lviv and Lutsk, which sold cheesecake with all proceeds directed to children’s care, raising over 50,000 hryvnias in that month alone. Park Art of Rest in Lviv donated profits from shrimp ravioli sales, while the French Holidays patisserie contributed funds from a specific macaron variety. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s Chachapuri restaurant organized a charity dinner, and the Dacha restaurant in Pryluky committed to monthly financial support.

Since its founding in 2008, the Zaporuka Foundation has supported families with children in hospitals, shelters, frontline zones, and through the Family Homes in Kyiv and Lviv. Over the years, it has provided more than $17 million in assistance and is recognized among Ukraine’s top 100 trustworthy charitable organizations. The Dacha Family Homes currently operate in Kyiv and Lviv, with preparations underway for a third facility in Dnipro. These homes offer not only free housing but also social and psychological support to families facing serious pediatric illnesses.

“Our goal is to make charity an integral part of everyday business operations. For some, that might mean adding a single dish to the menu; for others, hosting a charity dinner or providing monthly donations. It’s vital that these partnerships remain manageable for businesses while delivering meaningful help to families,” said Nataliya Onipko.

The GOSTINNI initiative is actively seeking more partners to join this growing network of support, ensuring families in dire need receive ongoing assistance.

This campaign highlights how the private sector can play a pivotal role in social responsibility by aiding vulnerable populations. Engaging more businesses in charitable activities raises awareness of the challenges faced by families with seriously ill children and encourages wider community involvement in philanthropy.

Such efforts serve as a powerful example for other enterprises, inspiring them to embrace social responsibility and participate actively in societal well-being. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration between businesses and charitable organizations to achieve shared goals in supporting those most in need.

In a similar effort to support those in need, Ukrainian businesses have come together to raise funds for psychological care for women battling breast cancer. This highlights the growing trend of local establishments uniting for charitable causes, demonstrating the power of community support in addressing critical health issues.