Angels of Freedom Project’s Timeline

The independent bookstore OQY organized a charity auction and mini fair to raise funds and support “Angels of Freedom”.

The creative art hub “Dom 36” hosted a fair and workshop on crafting angels of freedom.

The largest toloka in the foundation’s history had been organized by its Volunteers in collaboration with the student organization “Hereditas” at a university in Kazakhstan.

Astana’s “Angels of Freedom” office launched its first upcycling session, encouraging attendees to craft angels from old belongings and recycled items.

Was hosted at KazMedia as a part of the “Runway Show Kazakhstan” festival.

The team from the “Angels of Freedom” foundation in Astana spent time at the shelter, walking the dogs that are looking forward to finding new homes and families.

Was held at the Ecological Museum.

As part of World Cleanup Day and the #EUBeachCleanup environmental campaign, the EU Delegation in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the Embassy of Estonia in Kazakhstan, supported by the akimat of Astana and coordinated by the “We are for a Clean Country” environmental movement, organized a cleanup of the Karasu Riverbank.

The event culminated in a flashmob where participants formed a large heart, symbolizing their love for Planet Earth.

The team from the “Angels of Freedom” foundation thanked the organizers for the chance to be involved in such an important initiative and to help foster eco-conscious and eco-culture together.

This is the ninth project in Chernihiv that has been aided by the fund.

Participants were engaged in crafting angels, sharing summer stories, discussing current plans, and enjoying delicious borscht with garlic rolls prepared by volunteers.

A broadcast dedicated to the importance of vaccination for children, how infections spread, and the vulnerability of children in Ukraine under the current situation.

“Angels of Freedom” participated in a fair at the Forum shopping mall, during the Fahrenheit Fest, dedicated to writers and contemporary arts.

The fair was hosted at the the St. John Children’s Camp during the first Ukrainian International Music Festival Family Music Fest — “Rodyna” Ottawa Weekend Fest.

The fair was held at Offtop Club.

Marina Sharipova — a finisher of four marathons, podcast producer, and PR manager - participated in a live stream on the “Angels of Freedom” YouTube channel. The broadcast covered Marina’s personal story, detailing her start in running and her reason for participating in the III Kazakhstan Charity Vyshyvanka Run. Additionally, Marina shared her tips for staying motivated in sports.

Materials and components for installing a ventilation system were delivered to Kindergarten #54. Work on its implementation has begun.

A total of 126 people were registered.
This year the foundation managed to collect 1 660 700 KZT.

Participants could select one of four distances: 1 km, 3 km, 5 km, or 10 km, and run it in any location they prefer.

The event took place in various cities and towns across Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana, Aksai, Aktobe, Atyrau, Balkhash, the village of Merke, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kostanay, Uralsk, and Shchuchinsk. The longest distance covered by a participant was an impressive 30.04 km. In addition, participants ran in other countries such as Belgium, Israel, Canada, the Netherlands, the UAE, Poland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and more. The event attracted many families, as the year before.

The goal of the run was to raise funds for a ventilation system at Kindergarten #71 in Chernihiv, which currently accommodates around 240 children.

Volunteers from Chernihiv, children from the supported kindergarten and their parents also took part in the Run. A famous athlete and Olympic medalist, Nina Lemesh, also took part in the Run.

Held in the Yuzhnyi Park.

Held at the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping mall.

Held on Nurzhol Boulevard, near the “Keruen” shopping mall.

Part of the angels were crafted with the Belgian flag’s colors — black, yellow, and red.

Held at the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping mall.

Thanks to donations and active participation in fairs from May to July, the “Angels of Freedom” raised money for another Kindergarten #54 in Chernihiv, which serves 138 children. The funds will be used to install ventilation system in order to improve shelter conditions, as natural ventilation is not sufficient during air raids. Clean air is essential for the kids.

Held at the summer outdoor venue “Atakent”.

Held at the outdoor parking lot of “Saryarka” shopping mall.

Took place on Nurzhol Boulevard, close to the “Keruen” shopping mall.

Angels were crafted by volunteers from Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Canada, and Kazakhstan.

A live interview with Alexander Kuzin — the concept’s creator and organizer of the Charity Vyshyvanka Run.

The fair was held outdoors at the Pervomaiskie Ponds.

The fair was held outdoors on a square next to EXPO and the MEGA Silk Way shopping mall.

Outdoor fair on Nurzhol Boulevard, near the “Keruen” shopping mall.

Was held at the summer outdoor area in front of “Atakent Plaza” shopping and entertainment center.

Happened in the office of “Angels of Freedom”. At the end of the event, a small quest with gifts awaited the children.

Was held at Nurzhol Boulevard near “Keruen” shopping and entertainment center.

Was held at the open space between EXPO and MEGA Silk Way.

Was held at Ramstore All In.

The participants arrived from countries that had also experienced or are currently experiencing war. They had a deep understanding of the problems that children in Ukraine face. Each participant made a blue and yellow angel — a symbol of support.

The first fair in Ottawa. “Angels of Freedom” took part in Greely Good Market in Ottawa at the invitation of their organisers.

Despite the thunderstorm and the fact that the fair did not work for long, the atmosphere at the event was very warm and homely.

Training called “Power of emotions: Development of emotional intelligence. and empathy for peacekeeping”.

Was held at Nurzhol Boulevard, near “Keruen” shopping and entertainment center.

It took place on the site between the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center and Linear Park.

The festival had an extensive music programme including Aigel and Black Cumin Oil bands.

Was held at the summer outdoor area in front of “Atakent Plaza” shopping and entertainment center.

Happened at the State Academy Theatre of Opera and Ballet square.

Volunteer of “Angels of Freedom” — Zulfiya — presented the foundation at the Ukrainian culture festival “Korinnya”. It brought together Ukrainians and those who wish to support Ukraine.

Was held at a street platform called “Atakent”.

The evening was held at Chilli Grill bar. The programme included performances by stand-up comic Denis Gitenko, musical groups Costa Trio, DANÀ, Sun Will Rise and poet Aneli Kairdinova, as well as a charity auction. There was a fair and a photo zone with Ukrainian and Kazakh national costumes.

Was held at Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center.

Iryna Semenchuk and Yevgeniy Rybalko, founders of the fund “Angels of Freedom” told people how kindergartens and schools under the foundation’s care live, as well as about the process of equipping them with shelters.

Garage Sale fair “Garazhka-25” was held in the Ecological Museum.

The stream discussed how to properly talk to children about global disasters and wars, as well as the development of humanitarian values.

Was held in the open space “Atakent” outside. Volunteers from Almaty and Astana took part in the fair.

“Angels of Freedom” organized a toloka for children from the rehabilitation centre, a municipal public institution Center for Social Services “Ayala”.

A total of 120 children’s chairs, 40 trapezoid-shaped children’s tables, and 26 desks have been purchased. All of this has been installed in the shared shelter for kindergartens #53 and #59. The installation of ventilation and plumbing was funded by a Belgian donor.

Was held in the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center. At the fair, bookmarkers featuring angels, made using crochet techniques, were presented for the first time.

Discussed topics: how to raise a healthy child, health threats to children in Ukraine during martial law, and principles of hygiene at home and in emergency situations.

Was held in the open space “Atakent” outside.

Was held in the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center.

Was held in Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center. At the Fair, for the first time, it was possible to purchase Advent calendars for Nauryz celebration, invented and created by “Angels of Freedom” volunteers.

Advent calendars were made in the form of yurt with national ornament and had 7 windows, behind which there was hidden a kind task (in Russian and Kazakh languages) and a tiny gift.

Toloka for kids and their parents.

Bar decided to donate 100% of sales of samosas and masala tea to the “Angels of Freedom” on this day.

The evening of music and poetry, named Peace Please where you could find an angel, was held at the Chili Grill bar, Grand Alatau residential complex.

Stream on YouTube with Tinkai, an expert analyst at the republican front office of volunteers BIRGEMIZ, National Consultant for UNICEF Kazakhstan and head of the republican programs BeKind Kazakhstan, BeGreen Kazakhstan and BeSafe Kazakhstan.

Was held in Sputnik Mall shopping and entertainment center.

Was held in the Abu-Dhabi Plaza shopping center.

Was held in Festival Avenue shopping mall.

A podcast has been released with Kazakhstani director, PR consultant and influencer Rinat Balgabayev. He has been helping Ukraine for several years and supporting the “Angels of Freedom” project. Rinat came to the volunteer’s office and made a motanka doll in the shape of an angel, and also told why he decided to help.

“Angels of Freedom” announced a fundraiser for the construction of a common shelter for two enterprises near kindergartens in the Ukrainian ciity of Chernihiv.

Money is needed to install ventilation in enclosed spaces, to install hygiene booths for children, electrical wiring for lighting and a generator, and to purchase chairs and tables for kids.

The first toloka in Amsterdam. “Angels of Freedom” held a children’s toloka at the Ukrainian school of Dzherelo. At the same time, children and their parents took part in it. 14 families from the Netherlands received angels made by their babies.

Iryna Semenchuk held the first toloka in Poland and spoke about the work of the foundation. Toloka took place in Kovcheg co-living space.

Was held in Luna art space.

Live broadcasts with Iryna Semenchuk who was in Ukraine at that time, and Zulfiya Temirgaliyeva. Iryna spoke about the results of the “Angels of Freedom” foundation work and plans for the coming year, and also answered questions from viewers.

Repair works are finished in the kindergarten #65. “Angels of Freedom” received thanks from the administration and the kindergarten team.

Festivity and online meeting with volunteers of the Foundation from different cities and countries.

“Angels of Freedom” took part in the thematic market in “Non-Outanimatics” space.

Volunteers from Astana and from Schuchinsk took part at the Christmas fair in “Green Mall”.

Fifteen chairs and ten tables were delivered to the shelter of kindergarten No. 65. The toilets renovation and the ventilationʼs installation are currently underway. On behalf of the “Angels of Freedom” foundation, Iryna Semenchuk, bestowed an angel and a Christmas tree with a little angel upon Vitalina Alekseevna Kotelenets, the head of the kindergarten.

“Angels of Freedom” participated in the New Yearʼs event for children in Anticafe “Soulmate”.

“Angels of Freedom” first appearance and debuting in Uralsk.

Participants of the Coordinator Training School learned about:
∙ the history, mission, goals and objectives of our Foundation,
∙ the operational mechanics “from Angel to Shelter”,
∙ the effective communication techniques,
∙ the media managment,
∙ the executing successful marketing and PR campaigns,
∙ the legal aspects of volunteers activities,
∙ the financial tools of our Foundation.

Fair took place at the Forum shopping mall.

An outdoors fair.

“Angels of Freedom” took part in the festival of poetry and visual arts in Shchuchinsk, which organiser was Eurasian Creative Guild.

The premiere of the film “Crimean Caravan” by Kazakh journalist Ainur Koskina took place in Brussels. This is a documentary about the Crimean Tatars who fled Crimea after the announcement of partial mobilisation in Russia. Ainur Koskina and one of the main characters of the film, Gulzara, and her family are participants of the “Angels of Freedom” tolokas.

200 folding chairs were delivered for the school shelter.

It took place on the veranda of the Chili Grill bar at the foot of the skyscrapers of the Grand Alatau residential complex.

The founders of the “Angels of Freedom” Foundation, Iryna and Evgeniy, shared the results of Iryna’s trip to Ukraine and plans for the future. The meeting included a story about the schools and kindergartens under the care, conversations with teaching staff and wishes from them, gifts for the volunteer team and a demonstration of photographs from Chernihiv.

Kazakhstanis took part in the charity Vyshyvanka Run (vyshyvankas are Ukrainian embroidered shirts). This is an international initiative that the “Angels of Freedom” charity foundation has supported for the second year in a row.

The run took place online. Wearing Ukrainian vyshyvankas or T-shirts with a print of Ukrainian embroidery, the participants covered one of three proposed distances: one, three or five kilometres. Two participants, from Almaty and Pavlodar, ran more than 17 kilometres.

To participate, you had to register on the website vyshyvankarun.kz. The minimum donation was five thousand tenge. This year the foundation managed to collect 890 thousand KZT. This is more than three times the amount raised last year.

A total of 88 people were registered: from Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland and the UK. Amateur and professional runners from 12 cities of Kazakhstan joined the race: Aktobe, Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Pavlodar, Uralsk, Shchuchinsk, Ekibastuz, Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Two employees of the Latvian Embassy in Astana also took part in the sports event. Some participants ran as whole families: in Atyrau, for example, a sports event was supported by a family with two children: an 11-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy. One of the Kazakh participants even ran with a baby stroller.

A famous athlete, Olympic medalist, Nina Petrovna Lemesh, also took part in the Race.

Winners of the 1 km distance:
1. Iuliia from Astana — 6 min 13 s
2. Давид and Анушаван from Atyrau (ran together) — 6 min 15 s
3. Gilles van Doorne from Belgium, Brussels — 6 min 23 s

Winners of the 3 km distance:
1. Алексей from Astana — 15 min 11 s
2. Zulfiya Temirgaliyeva from Belgium, Brussels — 16 min 46 s
3. Daniz Shikhov from Almaty — 17 min 26 s

Winners of the 5 km distance:
1. Александр from Almaty — 21 min 39 s
2. Максим from Aktobe — 24 min 7 s
3. Adil Syzdykov from Pavlodar — 27 min 51 s

The money raised from the run was used to equip a shelter at school No. 12 in Chernihiv. The school premises where children study during air raids lacked 200 folding chairs. The money donated by the participants of the sporting event was enough for 77 chairs. The remaining amount came from donations from past fairs.

The fair was held outdoors on a square next to EXPO-2017 and the Mega Silk Way shopping centre.

The fair was held on the territory of the Astana golf club.

Toloka was held in the park named after the First President.

30 children’s high chairs, 10 children’s benches and 10 children’s tables were delivered for the kindergarten shelter. Previously, this kindergarten had already been equipped with ventilation and floor tiles.

The children made symbolic hearts for the “Angels of Freedom” with their
own hands, which were then presented to Iryna Semenchuk by the head of the kindergarten, Nadezhda Nikolaevna.

On the Independence Day of Ukraine, “Angels of Freedom” held a children’s toloka in Chernigov, in kindergarten No. 37.

The head and methodologist of the kindergarten presented the “Angels of Freedom” with Podyaka (gratitude) and the flag of Ukraine with words of gratitude from the kindergarten staff and parents of the children.

At the master class, participants studied the structural features of a portrait, mastered the techniques of shading and shading with charcoal, and ultimately created realistic portraits.

The fair was held outdoors on a square next to EXPO-2017 and the Mega Silk Way shopping centre.

The fair took place in a pine forest near the village of Koyandy, 21 km from Astana.

Work has begun on the renovation of the kindergarten shelter.

A charity business stand-up from Maxim Melnik, CEO of Satu.kz, took place at Astana Hub.

Maxim Melnik, being in Ukraine, manages one of the largest marketplaces in Kazakhstan. On Satu.kz, 10 thousand Internet entrepreneurs from all over Kazakhstan sell more than 11 million products.

Maxim actively supports the volunteer movement in Ukraine and organises charitable creative projects to collect donations.

The business stand-up at Astana Hub was held in support of fundraising for the restoration of Ukrainian schools by the “Angels of Freedom” Foundation.

The coffee shop “Coffee with You” hosted a charity business stand-up from Maxim Melnik, CEO of Satu.kz

The business stand-up was held in support of raising funds for the restoration of Ukrainian schools.

The evening’s program also included a charity toloka to create the Angels of Freedom. Guests were treated to cookies baked by volunteers of the “Angels of Freedom” Foundation.

Outdoor fair on Nurzhol Boulevard.

The office of the “Angels of Freedom” hosted a charity lecture by archaeologist Bakhyt Khasenova “Ancient and modern art: current contact.”

After the lecture, everyone could make a print on an archaeological theme with a chosen subject.

“Angels of Freedom” took part in the fair, which was organised by the “Coffee with You” coffee shop.

The last batch of chairs and benches was delivered to the kindergarten. In total, 85 chairs and 10 benches were made for it. Earlier, tiles were also installed in the kindergarten and ventilation was installed.

Presentation of the Angels of Freedom Foundation and charity toloka at the EU Embassy in Kazakhstan.

EU Ambassador and the ambassador’s wife Ramune Jankauskiene expressed support for the project and made several angels themselves.

Stream on YouTube in honour of the anniversary of the “Angels of Freedom” project on June 17.

Open air fair near the Tennis Center (Beeline Arena).

The renovation of the two rooms at the kindergarten #37 “Fairytale” is complete: the tiles are laid, lightning and ventilation are installed, little chairs are bought. The kids have already slept in these rooms during the air raids alarms.

Open air fair near the Tselinnikov Cafe.

Young journalists interviewed the project’s volunteers for a reporting which they plan to present at the International contest and fest of child and youth journalism “Press spring at the Dnieper slopes”. They also made angels.

The students of the physics and math center Intellect decided to take part in the Angels of Freedom project and made angels.

During the presentation of the Angels of Freedom project, the diplomats of the Netherlands’ Embassy and their family members have joined the toloka to make the angels. The representative of the Embassy of Lithuania in Kazakhstan Neringa Gaidyte and the vice-ambassador of the European Union Delegation Maceij Madalinski have also visited the charity event.

The toloka was held in a park in Almaty.

Made for the first time by volunteers at tolokas in Astana.

The Angels of Freedom project took part in the market during which a charity toloka was held.

Upon invitation from the Netherlands’ Ambassador André Carstens, Angels of Freedom have conducted a toloka at his residence, for his family and guests. The atmosphere at the event was very positive.

The Angels of Freedom project will finance renovation of a basement at the kindergarten so that it can be turned into a proper underground shelter. The plan is to lay impact-protected and frost-resistant floor tiles, paint the walls, replace electrical wiring and install electrical sockets. It is also envisaged that a ventilation system will be installed that is capable to secure comfortable stay of children for several hours. Further, 85 kids’ chairs, at least 12 wooden benches and 12 LED lamps will also be procured.

The premiere of a mini documentary about the Angels of Freedom project and the Chernihiv schools and kindergartens supported by the project. Presentation of the Ukrainian city of Nikolaev by Anna Ganzhul, the artist and the director of the Nikolaev Development Agency, as well as a story about school No. 20 which the Angels of Freedom project also plans to support.

At the invitation of the Angels of Freedom project, Anna Ganzhul, an artist from Nikolaev, held an exclusive charity master class on painting. The paintings were made in yellow and blue tones, the colors that unite the two countries — Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and supplemented with phrases in two languages: Kazakh and Ukrainian.

The auyzashar (evening meal after sunset during fasting) took plase in Astana Hub. All the money raised at the evening will be used to equip the underground shelters of Chernihiv kindergartens No. 37 and No. 74.

A new space for tolokas and other events is located at 8 Kenesary street, office 19 (second floor).

For the first time, a stall with angels was placed at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic church to collect donations.

The fair was held at the “NeSanatory” event space.

The first toloka was held and a steering group of volunteers was set up in the town.

A charity hackathon was held for schoolchildren and students.
Their task was to develop a digital tool for collecting donations for the Angels of Freedom ptoject.

The hackathon was initiated by the school club NIS Valley represented by one of the coordinators, 17-year-old Amina. The idea was supported by Astana Hub, the largest technopark in Central Asia, acting as a co-organizer, and Jusan Bank, EPAM IT company and Shoreditch restaurant joined as sponsors.

38 teams from different regions of Kazakhstan have applied for participation, even schoolchildren from Taraz came to the event. 13 teams reached the final, developed their product and presented it to the jury. The winner was the girls’ team from Karaganda — Main Line.

The Angels of Freedom project will continue to collaborate with a few teams to further implement their ideas.

Two schools in Chernihiv, the bomb shelters in which were equipped by the Angels of Freedom project, opened their doors for the first time in this school year and started offline lessons.

Corporate toloka in the Terra Education language school.

The school No. 13 in Chernihiv received the equipment for the bomb shelter which allows the school to open on April 3, 2003, right after the school holiday. The following items were procured: folding tables — 30 pcs., chairs — 30 pcs., karrimat-pazzles — 25 pcs., microwave oven — 1 pc., electric kettle — 2 pcs., battery desk-lamps — 5 pcs., 50 liter boiler — 1 pc., 5 liter vacuum flask — 1 pc., plastic container — 6 pcs., 50 liter dustbins — 2 pcs., LED lightning — 2 pcs., 10 m extension cord — 4 pcs., electric cable — 50 m.

The renovation of the bomb shelter in the Chernihiv school No.6 is now finished. The works have been completed thanks to the donations of the Kazakhstanis and Belgians. The school is finally ready for opening.

The first toloka took place in Schuchinsk, Kazakhstan. People form other towns came to take part as well.

The fair took place in Sal Seri art gallery. Two tolokas were carried out during the fair: for adults on March 18 and for kids on March 19.

The lot was an exclusive hoodie from Ukraine “Be Brave Like Ukraine”.

The fair took place at The Torium space in the Green Mall shopping center.

The first toloka took place in Human Rights Hub (@humanrights_hub) which had provided a new location.

The angels which were sent to Belgium earlier in January help to raise funds for the Ukrainian schools.

Performance by Shugyla Sagynbekova.

Summing up the work of the Angels of Freedom project for the latest 8 months.

Angels are in Warsaw, at the Ukrainian Embassy and the T. Shevchenko monument.

US Embassy staff got together to make the angel-dolls and raise funds to support Ukrainian children and help to restore the schools.

The US ambassador in Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum took part in toloka.

The first kids’ toloka took place in Astana.

Lectures by N. Kondel “Ukrainian language and its formation”, by A. Makushin “Antiwar cinema: how arts combats violence and diagnoses society”, etc.

Toloka took place at the Moon studio.

Toloka with Ukrainian Christmas songs. Watching video «Новорічне вітання казахським друзям» (“New Year wishes for Kazakh friends”), New Year address by the president of Ukraine V. Zelensky and the 2017 movie “Darkest Hour”.

Two tolokas were conducted: adults’ (with 18 participants) and kids’ (with 17 participants). Students from the School of National Revival took part in the kids’ toloka.

Angels of Freedom took part in the festival. Festival’s guests took part in toloka.

A new buleryan was delivered to the Lugoviki village in Kyiv region to heat the local community center. Now, the children can play, read, sing, dance and study in a warm place.

Angels of Freedom supported this project.

The evening party of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and presentation of the Angels of Freedom project at the Human Rights Hub.

Angels of Freedom took part in the Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazar at the QSI international school in Astana.

3 heaters, 3 fire extinguishers, 2 wireless routers, 260 chairs and 80 folding desks were delivered to the school No.6 bomb shelter.

50 people took part in the event.

The students themselves organized the toloka in the University and gave the accomplished dolls to the Angels of Freedom project.

It was agreed that the school’s No. 6 bomb shelter would be equipped with assistance from the Kazakhstani project Angels of Freedom.

The running round in vyshyvankas was organized to support the Angels of Freedom project on the Ukraine Independence Day. 49 persons took part in the round.

The project’s coordinators Iryna Semenchuk and Yevgeniy Ribalko met Galina Povazhuk, the director of the Chernihiv school No.6 and discussed the potential help by the project.

The concert was aimed to support the Angels of Freedom project.

As a result of the bombings of Chernihiv, 88 windows of the school No.6 building were knocked out by the blast wave. The students have painted their school to show how beautiful it should look after the renovation, and asked Angels of Freedom to help to restore it.

The toloka was conducted by Zulfiya.

Amangul, who still is an active volunteer and assists the project, made the first donation.

The second, third and forth tolokas were conducted on 21, 22 and 23 June 2022, at 2/4 Kabanbay batyr street, office 69.

Was made by Iryna Semenchuk.