Festive events calendar
Every year during the holidays, the Andrey and Julia Dashin Foundation surprises children with exciting events, fun celebrations and, of course, New Year’s gifts. This year we have continued our traditional programs and implemented many new initiatives with our partners.
This December turned out to be incredibly eventful. It began on December 3rd with the “Wishing on a Star” workshop with Little Odysseus at the University of Cyprus Library in Nicosia. The participants created a holiday star and a 3D wish card. Throughout the day, there were inspiring interactive sessions on subjects such as inner strength and confidence. Children aged 4-12 attended the workshop, and the most exciting moment was the long-awaited gift-giving! The children received an array of entertaining books, games, stationery, and a positive thinking diary as a journaling method.
This month also saw more than 60 laptops donated in cooperation with the sponsoring partner ASBIS to children studying online remotely. The devices were donated to children needing a computer since, previously, most had to do their studies using mobile phones.
This year, the Foundation also sponsored a special program at the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Centre, which is home to many families with young children. The educational program was launched with the support of the Andrey and Julia Dashin Foundation, following the framework of the Little Odysseus program. The program’s primary goals are to provide psychological support, including developing social skills, literacy and language skills, and the children’s cultural awareness. On December 11th, a Christmas event was held for the students of the Sunday School. Children made and decorated festive gingerbread houses, which they then ate with great pleasure. Andrey Dashin personally attended the event to present gifts and congratulate the children. To their surprise, they were also gifted an arcade game console assembled by the KidIT Cyprus club’s students and parents, especially for children living at the Centre.
On December 18th, with Little Odysseus and the support of the Foundation, a Christmas workshop was held at the Limassol Municipal Library. The children were captivated by the treasure hunt and a workshop on making Christmas angel dolls. Andrey Dashin also made an appearance, this time as Santa Claus himself, and surprised the children with gifts!
Continuing the celebrations that week, volunteers organized a festive party for children in Paphos and Ayia Napa. The Foundation gladly provided everyone with a selection of Christmas gifts for the occasion.
On December 23rd, the Foundation’s traditional “Christmas Wish” campaign took place. As part of the initiative, Andrey Dashin, and his daughter Anfisa, dressed as Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden, visited a special unit of the district school. This year, they were again joined by the CEO of the Exinity group of companies, Olga Rybalkina, with her family and the two company directors with their spouses and children. The men dressed as Santa Claus, the ladies, Mrs. Claus, and the children dressed as elves all visited children’s homes in Limassol and Nicosia, bearing gifts.
At the end of a busy month, following tradition, the Foundation once again supported the Cradle of Hope Association, providing 54 families with food vouchers to enjoy a festive table with their loved ones. In addition, aid was provided to Helping Hearts Cyprus so that they could supply 75 families with food and essentials for the New Year.
“This year has been challenging for everyone, so we felt the urgency to bring joy to children and families more than ever. We could not leave children without attention and gifts and parents without support. We were joined by many volunteers and organizations which made valuable contributions. We hope the next year will bring peace, happiness, prosperity and stability to every home.”