3 hours ago
1
From Corporate Giving to a Humanitarian Lifeline
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a turning point for the Favbet Foundation. The Favbet Foundation began as an organisation in 2020 when Andrii Matiukha established it for youth development programs through sports and education, but eventually turned into a full-scale humanitarian initiative. In response to the crisis, nearly all resources were reallocated to support Ukraine’s defense and deliver aid to civilians affected by the war.
“Our work has taken on a new urgency,” says Andrii Matiukha, “We respond immediately to every chance to create meaningful change. The organisation possesses dedicated people and abundant resources together with committed partners to achieve its goals.” What was once a corporate social responsibility arm of the FAVBET group has now grown into a humanitarian actor that coordinates domestic relief and builds strategic support abroad.
Strategic Partnerships in Croatia
Matiukha’s principle that “Ukrainians should feel supported both at home and abroad” is best illustrated through the foundation’s impactful partnerships in Croatia. Leveraging Favbet’s presence across Europe, he helped forge a powerful alliance with Croatian volunteer group Dobro Dobrim. Together, they built a humanitarian logistics corridor that linked Zagreb and Ukraine.
In late 2023, a 150-tonne aid convoy successfully transported aid to Ukraine through this partnership. The aid delivery contained food items as well as clothing and hygiene supplies together with 13,000 kg of surgical disinfectants intended for medical facilities.
Matiukha often credits the resilience of Ukraine’s supporters abroad. “Even after years of war, the Croatian team at Dobro Dobrim continues to stand with us,” he said.
Helping Ukrainians Abroad
Beyond Ukraine’s borders, the foundation has also made a lasting impact. In April 2022, Favbet Foundation helped to establish an Adaptation Center in Zagreb with the aim of supporting Ukrainians who had left their homes. The center has offered free language courses in Croatian and English, as well as legal counseling, psychological assistance, and humanitarian aid. All of those are designed to help displaced families rebuild their lives.
In 2023, the center received the Responsible Country award from Ukraine’s MMR portal that recognised it as the best charitable initiative that year.
Matiukha also supports projects that build community and maintain the morale of Ukrainians abroad. In 2023, he helped organise a sports festival organised in June 2023 by the Ukrainian association Crvena Kalyna in Zagreb that brought together over 450 Ukrainians.
Supporting Veteran Resilience Through Sport
Favbet Foundation has long seen sports as a tool for recovery. In May 2023, Matiukha sponsored a Ukrainian veteran team in the RideLondon cycling event. Three wounded Ukrainian athletes represented Ukraine on the streets of the British capital, demonstrating the resilience of Ukrainian spirit.
The foundation has been supporting veteran sports even before the full-scale invasion. Back in 2021, it partnered with the Invictus Games Team Ukraine to promote rehabilitation through sport.
Redefining the Role of Corporate Charity
Favbet Foundation can be seen as a good model for private charitable initiatives in times of war. Unlike governments and big NGOs that coordinate larger relief efforts, Matiukha’s team has focused on the immediate needs of the country by applying their international business experience to provide fast and concrete results.
In the last 3 years, the foundation managed to provide assistance to thousands of people in Ukraine and abroad, as well as deliver hundreds of tons of aid from the EU. Through targeted action and commitment, charitable organisations like the Favbet Foundation continue to prove that private initiatives can play a crucial role in helping Ukraine survive and recover.
This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.
English (US) ·