Rethink Orphan Gifts: How to Make a Real Impact Beyond Candies
Why Gifting Candies to Orphans Might Not Be the Best Idea
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a strong desire to spread joy to orphans by donating gifts, often filled with sweets. However, these well-meaning gifts can sometimes cause more harm than good. After the celebrations, you return home, leaving the children behind in the orphanage, never to see them again. This can reinforce feelings of abandonment and lead to attachment issues. Moreover, consuming large amounts of candy can result in health problems and stomachaches.
Meet Artem Goloviy and “Threads of Friendship”
So, how can you genuinely help orphans? Through the organization “Threads of Friendship”. Artem Goloviy, the founder of this organization, was once an orphan himself. He understands the kind of help these children truly need.
Artem’s Journey
At the age of 13, Artem lost his parents and was taken in by his grandparents. He began to realize that he had to tackle many of life’s challenges alone. During this time, a family friend became a significant adult figure in his life, providing much-needed support and guidance.
The Birth of “Threads of Friendship”
In 2009, Artem visited an orphanage during Easter. Despite the fun and gifts, he felt he hadn’t made a real difference in the children’s lives. This experience led him to the idea of mentorship—providing individual help to orphans. Inspired, he started encouraging adults to approach their interactions with orphanage children thoughtfully.
The Organization’s Mission
In 2014, Artem registered “Threads of Friendship,” an organization dedicated to finding, training, and supporting foster educators for orphans aged 10–15. The team developed an educational program for preparing foster educators, which was approved by the National Institute of Education in Belarus.
The #NO_CANDY Campaign
This holiday season, “Threads of Friendship” is launching the #NO_CANDY marathon. The campaign aims to raise awareness about meaningful ways to help orphans. One such way is supporting the “Threads of Friendship” project. If 1500 people sign up for a monthly donation of just 5 rubles, the organization can continue its vital work in 2023, bringing daily happiness to orphans.
How You Can Help
- Sign up for a monthly donation on the organization’s website.
- Share the campaign on social media to spread awareness.
- Educate friends and family about the importance of meaningful gifts for orphans.
The Time for Meaningful Gifts is Now
It’s time to move beyond temporary gestures and make a lasting impact on the lives of orphans. Join the #NO_CANDY campaign and be a part of the change.
