According to Igor Belyaev, director of the NGO "Right to Protect Orphans," "Our goal is to congratulate children on the New Year and ensure that none of them is left without a gift."
An initiative that has united people for eight years
The idea of the "Tree of Wishes" belongs to Igor Belyaev, who himself grew up in an orphanage and understands the significance of the holiday for children. "We aimed not only to raise funds but also to give people the opportunity to personally bring happiness," he shares.In previous years, the campaign was held online, which sometimes caused difficulties. "This year we decided to return to an offline format. It creates a cozy atmosphere, and we can better explain to participants how to choose and prepare a gift," Belyaev adds.
For Kyrgyz citizens abroad, there is an option to participate online: they are sent photos of the letters via WhatsApp, and gifts are delivered on their behalf.
Letters waiting for their Santa Claus.
“I saw a video about the 'Tree of Wishes' on Instagram and suggested to my friends to bring joy to children instead of playing 'Secret Santa.' They agreed, and now we are choosing letters so that every child feels happy,” shares campaign participant Deya Kushtarbek kyzy.
Deya Kushtarbek kyzy, campaign participant.
The campaign covers all of Kyrgyzstan
Children from social institutions across the country receive gifts. Letters come from Jalal-Abad, Osh, Chui, and Issyk-Kul regions. Boarding schools, crisis centers, and foster families that cannot afford to buy gifts for children during the holidays are participating."This year we collected about 500 letters, 350 of which have already been distributed. New letters are arriving from the regions every day, and they are eagerly picked up by caring citizens," reports Belyaev.
Many parents come with their children, choose letters together, read them, and prepare gifts. This can become a wonderful family tradition.If you have a limited budget or the letter requests something more, you can team up with others to fulfill the child's wish.
Letters waiting for their Santa Claus.
What do children ask Santa Claus for?
Educators often compile gift lists for those children who cannot write letters themselves."There are little ones who still cannot write, as well as children with disabilities who need the help of caregivers," explains Belyaev.
In the letters, you can find sincere wishes ranging from toys and clothes to wheelchairs.
How the "Tree of Wishes" is going this year.
"We noticed that many children with disabilities are asking for multifunctional wheelchairs so they can go for walks. The cost of such wheelchairs is quite high: small ones cost 28,000 soms, medium ones - 36,000, and for older children - 41,000 soms. These are quality models with service guarantees. The supplier gave us a discount, and some wheelchairs have already been purchased, but we still need 16 more," Belyaev shares.
I want to thank all the participants of the campaign and the stores that provide discounts. Recently, we purchased gift packaging and their contents for sweet gifts. Together we bring joy to children.
Igor Belyaev, director of the NGO "Right to Protect Orphans."
How the foundation manages to provide gifts for all children
If someone takes a letter but does not manage to prepare a gift, the foundation collects a common reserve of funds to purchase the missing gifts so that every child receives attention."If we do not take care of these children, then who will? They have no parents. New Year is a time for miracles. It is important that those who cannot fulfill the children's wishes warn us in advance so that we can find a replacement in time," emphasizes Belyaev.
How the "Tree of Wishes" is going this year.
How to become Santa Claus of the "Tree of Wishes"
The campaign takes place at the "School of Great Opportunities" located at: Bishkek, Bayalinov Street, 168. The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to choose a letter, prepare a gift, pack it, and return it by December 24.You can also volunteer to pack and deliver sweet gifts to orphanages. The foundation is preparing 1,500 sweet gifts for children up to six years old, in addition to individual gifts according to letters.
If you cannot visit the "Tree" or orphanages, you can help by donating funds for multifunctional wheelchairs for children with special needs.
A report on the work done can be seen on the pages @igor.belyaev.1993 and @pomosh_detiam_sirotam on Instagram.
