A local Nikolaev newspaper honored I WILL and its supporters for their heartfelt dedication to children in need, praising their compassion and generosity as acts of kindness “born from an inner call to share humanity.”
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2002-2010
In 2010, I WILL opened a new computer class in downtown Nikolaev, offering free digital education and career training to disadvantaged youth. The project, led by Vladimir Kotov and Eugeny Paramonov, now gives hundreds of children access to technology — and to a brighter future.
In Kharkiv, Ukraine, the I Will Association delivered warm winter clothing to 217 visually impaired children at the Kharkiv Orphanage. With help from volunteers Dima Skorikov and Olga Riabinina, each child received perfectly fitted clothes and, for many, their first chance to choose something of their own — a gift of warmth, dignity, and joy.
I WILL gave the children of the Nikolaev Orphanage a rare gift — their first professional portraits. For many, it was the first time they had ever been photographed individually, creating cherished keepsakes that now brighten their rooms and remind them they are seen and valued.
WILL’s recent visit to Nikolaev celebrated growth and gratitude — from upgrading the thriving computer class and gifting children their portraits, to supporting a foster family of 11 with books, sweets, and a new refrigerator. Every smile reflected the warmth made possible by I WILL supporters.
I WILL helped Olesia, a young girl from Veselinovo, receive the spinal surgery, corset, and medical care she needed to recover and continue her education — giving her hope for a healthier, brighter future thanks to the generosity of Gary Pottruff and Marie Verschuuren.
Tara MacIntosh and her grandmother, Barbara Kempt, have spent years knitting scarves, mittens, hats, and socks for I WILL’s children — heartfelt gifts that wrap every child in warmth and love.
I WILL launched its second computer class at the Ochakov Orphanage, giving children new access to technology and the excitement of connecting with the world beyond their walls.
I WILL expanded the Nikolaev Computer Room with new full-color printers and upgraded equipment, giving children improved tools for creativity, learning, and preparing professional documents — another step forward in their digital education journey.
During a surprise visit, I WILL delivered new keyboards and mice to the Nikolaev Orphanage’s computer lab — replacing well-worn equipment and celebrating the children’s joy as they helped install the upgrades themselves.
What began as a joyful visit to Ochakov became a powerful eye-opener. I WILL discovered the orphanage’s heartbreaking bathroom conditions and raised funds to completely renovate them — adding new plumbing, tiles, and hot water. The transformation restored both comfort and dignity to the children, thanks to the dedication of Vladimir Kotov and the generosity of I WILL supporters.
A joyful concert by young performers from the Nikolaev Palace of Education in Arts brought music, dance, and laughter to the Ochakov Orphanage — a heartfelt event organized by Vladimir Kotov that united children through art, kindness, and joy.
WILL opened its first Computer Training Class with eight new workstations, bringing digital learning and joy to 325 children in Nikolaev Orphanage #5 — a dream realized through hard work, dedication, and shared kindness.
I WILL helped Irina, a bright and determined student, receive a hearing aid that transformed her life — a gift of sound, learning, and hope that opened new possibilities for her future.
Chef Chris Hockley hosted a cooking class in Toronto that raised $1,000 to fund a hearing aid for 12-year-old Irina Lubitskaya and support computer classes for children at the orphanage — a generous act that changed many young lives.
Hand-knit by Elisabeth Eckhardt in Toronto, two beautiful sweaters found their way to sisters Snezhana and Dalena at the Nikolaev School Orphanage #5 — gifts made with love that will be treasured for years to come.
Southern Pravda highlighted I WILL’s impact in its January 25, 2003 issue, recognizing the organization’s dedication and sharing voices of gratitude from the children it helped.
Brenda Sweeney and Kathy Battista organized two very successful Christmas drives that brought toys, clothing, sporting equipment, and games to 625 children in Nikolaev and Ochakov. The children were thrilled and grateful to their Canadian friends for making their holidays so joyful.
The 2002 visit to the Nikolaev Orphanage marked the moment I WILL was born. What began as a simple trip to meet children and caregivers became a life-changing experience — one that inspired the first I WILL projects in education, care, and opportunity, rooted in compassion and purpose.
Smarties brought joy to 325 children at the Nikolaev School Orphanage #5. Thanks to a generous donation from Michael Fitzgibbon, boxes of colourful chocolate candies filled the classrooms with surprise, laughter, and smiles — a sweet reminder that kindness knows no borders.