“We strive to congratulate children on the upcoming New Year and give them a desired gift. Our goal is for every child to receive a gift during this holiday,” shares Igor Belyaev, director of the NGO "Right to Protect Orphaned Children."
A Unifying Idea for Eight Years
The initiator of the "Tree of Wishes" campaign is Igor Belyaev, who grew up in an orphanage himself and understands how important attention and festive spirit are for children. “We wanted not just to collect money, but to give people the opportunity to directly fulfill children’s dreams. Each participant should feel that their good deeds are going to a specific child,” he explains.Previously, the campaign was held online on the foundation's website, which sometimes created technical difficulties. “This year we decided to organize the event in an offline format. This creates a convenient and festive atmosphere. When a person comes in person, we can explain the details and better select a gift,” adds Belyaev.
For Kyrgyz citizens abroad, there is an opportunity 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 delight the children instead of our traditional 'Secret Santa' game. They supported the idea, and now we are choosing letters. We want every child to be happy,” shares campaign participant Deya Kushtarbek kyzy.
Deya Kushtarbek kyzy, campaign participant.
The Campaign's Geography Covers All of Kyrgyzstan
Children from various social institutions across the country receive gifts. Letters have already come in 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 holiday are also participating.“This year we collected about 500 letters, of which 350 have already been fulfilled. Every day we receive new letters from the regions, and our caring citizens happily choose them. Both individuals and organizations become the magicians,” says Belyaev.
Many parents come with their children, choose a letter, read it together, and prepare a gift together. This can become a good family tradition.If you have a limited budget or if the letter requests something significant, 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?
Often, gifts for children who cannot write are formulated by educators.“There are children who are very small and still cannot write, as well as children with disabilities. Therefore, the help of caregivers is very important,” emphasizes Belyaev.
The letters contain sincere requests for toys, clothing, and even wheelchairs.
How the "Tree of Wishes" is going this year.
“This year we noticed that many children with disabilities are asking for multifunctional wheelchairs so they can go for walks and be more active. Such wheelchairs are quite expensive, and it is difficult for the average citizen to purchase them. The cost of small wheelchairs is 28,000 soms, medium ones are 36,000, and for older children, 41,000 soms. These are quality models with service guarantees. The supplier has been accommodating and offered a good discount. Some wheelchairs have already been purchased, and we still need to buy 16 more,” says Belyaev.
I thank everyone who participates in the campaign, as well as all the stores and organizations that provide discounts. Together we bring joy to children.
Igor Belyaev, director of the NGO "Right to Protect Orphaned Children."
How the Foundation Provides Gifts for Everyone
Sometimes a person takes a letter but does not have time to prepare a gift. To ensure that no child is left without attention, the foundation collects reserve funds and purchases the missing gifts.“If not us, then who will congratulate these children? They have no parents. New Year is a time of waiting for a miracle. The main thing is that those who cannot fulfill a child's wish inform us in time. There have been cases when we were told at the last moment that they could not, and the stores were already closed, and we did not know where to find a gift,” shares Belyaev.
How the "Tree of Wishes" is going this year.
How to Become Part of the "Tree of Wishes"
The campaign takes place at the "School of Great Opportunities" located at: Bishkek, Bailyanova St., 168. The center is open every day from 09:00 to 20:00. Anyone can choose an envelope, prepare a gift, wrap it, and return it by December 24.Additionally, it is also possible to volunteer for packing and delivering sweet gifts to orphanages. The foundation plans to prepare 1,500 sweet gifts for all children under six years old.
If you cannot come to the tree or the orphanages, you can help by donating funds for multifunctional wheelchairs for children with disabilities.
A report on the campaign can be seen on the pages @igor.belyaev.1993 and @pomosh_detiam_sirotam on Instagram.
