On October 23, 2023, we celebrate my father Vladimir on his Birthday.
While it's our first Birthday without him, his legacy shines brightly.
The I Will organisation was conceived in October 2002 at the kitchen table in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, with my mom and dad. For Dad, I Will wasn't just a passion; it was a relentless volunteering commitment, on top of his full-time job. And Mom always stood by our side, shared her enthusiasm, encouragement and pride.
My dad lived a life guided by kindness, patience, optimism, and the power of dreaming. But what set him apart was not just his dreams but his unwavering dedication to turning those dreams into actions and his optimism. Optimism/Hope Story: In the winter of 2022, we found ourselves waiting for hours at the border, on a long, cold and rainy night, in the despate crowd. We left everything behind and the future was uncertain. Dad was fighting illness. And I will never forget this moment: Worrying for my dad, I looked at him, and he looked at me, and he winked at me with a twinkle in his eye, and softly said: 'This is romantic.' It is a remarkable ability to find hope and dream even in the most challenging times.
My dads favourite words are - “Не останавливайся на достигнутом и не зазнавайся”! Knowing my dad's philosophy of life, this can be translated as “Embrace the present, unleash the future and stay humble”.
As part of the celebration, together we lit the I Will Candle.
We are excited to announce the 'I Will Candlelight Fund.'
This fund will ensure that the light of Knowledge, Hope, and Will continue to shine bright in the years to come. Donations to the I Will Candlelight Fund will support our ongoing educational initiatives.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Tatiana
