In July 2022, Sergiy Tsyupko founded a charitable foundation, the main activity of which is providing assistance to Ukrainians who suffered as a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The foundation has been working for more than a year, and today in the format of an interview we will present it to you.
I have a few questions for Sergiy Viktorovych about the foundation and its activities.
– Good day. Sergiy Viktorovych, please tell me what does Sergiy Tsyupko’s Charitable Foundation do.
We provide food aid to vulnerable sections of the population, temporarily displaced persons, people who have lost property, as well as families whose relatives are currently at war.
Aid is provided in the Kyiv region in the settlements most affected by the Russian invasion.
Допомога надається в київському регіоні в населених пунктах, які найбільше постраждали від російського вторгнення.
– Why this particular niche? Why not help for the army?
First, all funds can’t work only for the army (although the army is a priority).
Ordinary household issues of civilians should also be solved. We know how necessary help is to those who remained behind, whose families sent their sons to the front, to those who lost their homes during hostilities, those who were forced to move and start life with a clean slate. We have occupied this niche.
Secondly, the question is in the team. The team working in the foundation can be effective enough in the direction of humanitarian aid to the affected population. That’s what they do. And the fund (now I mean only our foundation) – it’s a team first of all.
– Why does the fund have this name?
We had to have a legal entity to formalize our activities. Title and all other formalities didn’t matter, since there was no goal to use it on a large scale in work. Simple recognizable logo, clear name, simple website and Facebook page. This is enough to do what we do.
– Can we say that the creation of the foundation is a logical continuation of philanthropic activity that you were engaged in before?
Apparently, this will be a false statement. Deeds in my activity that can be attributed to charity are mostly of a situational nature. First of all, it was a reaction to a need. If we are talking about the school in my homeland, then it was in need of repair. As for the “Bravo” theater, there was also a need that I was able to solve. And that goes for everything I’ve done.
The formula is very simple: on one side there is a problem, and on the other, this problem must find a response in my heart. Then I start to act. And for this I don’t need charitable foundations and legal entities.
Sergiy Tsyupko’s Charitable Foundation has a clear and specific function that corresponds to persuasion of the foundation team and my own persuasion. And considering the fund as a logical continuation of some activity currently has no sense.
How does the foundation choose the sequence in providing assistance?
This is our biggest pain. We see a huge number of needs and want to help everyone, immediately and fully. But this is impossible. That’s why we focused on Kyiv region. We compiled a list of settlements affected by the occupation or military operations, developed a schedule, contacted local administrations, and agreed on a list of persons in need of assistance. And now gradually we visit each selected settlement.
Are you getting feedback on your activity?
We are getting powerful feedback and it’s very inspiring and motivating. Of course, in global terms, our help is just a drop in the ocean. But due to the fact that we don’t work with intermediaries, but directly with people, we have the opportunity to see everyone’s reaction, talk to those who have something to tell us.
There are many words of gratitude. It doesn’t really matter if it’s common courtesy or sincere words of thanks. During the war, people have many problems, and our Foundation is always there.