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.
Na Zdorovie “Toast Ukraine” was I WILL’s first fundraiser, celebrating Ukrainian culture through food, drinks, and entertainment. The event raised $6,000 to establish a computer lab for children — a milestone that marked the beginning of I WILL’s mission to provide education and poverty relief with warmth, community, and smiles.