30 December 2024

A Year of Challenges and Unity: How IT4Life Supported the Home Front in 2024

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IT Cluster

The year 2024 was a time of challenges and achievements for the IT4Life Foundation. We continued working for those in need, finding solutions in the difficult conditions of war — despite shelling and power outages.

Together with partners and donors, we implemented initiatives that became pillars of support for our region and its residents during the hardest moments. Each delivery is a story of resilience and unity.

This article summarizes the collective efforts of 2024, highlighting the results of everyone’s care and our dedication to our mission.

For Those Who Save Lives

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, medical workers have risked their lives daily, working under dangerous conditions to save as many lives as possible.

Throughout the year, IT4Life made every effort to ensure that doctors could continue their mission — saving lives, even when the world around them seemed to crumble.

In 2024, we:

delivered a mobile X-ray machine to Vovchansk Central District Hospital, raising 2 million UAH for this;
purchased orthoses worth 280,000 UAH for the Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology;
continuously supplied hospitals with fire extinguishers, medical supplies, rehabilitation equipment, consumables, and other essential resources.

It is important to note that our team operates not only in Ukraine but also internationally, attracting foreign donors to provide support.

Orthoses for the Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology

Helping the City and Its Residents

Despite all the challenges of war, Kharkiv demonstrates resilience. In 2024, IT4Life consistently supported the city and its residents. In particular:

responded to and fulfilled 29 humanitarian aid requests, covering about 800 people;
the Kharkiv IT Cluster community helped establish a Situational Center, now equipped with video surveillance systems, backup power sources, and communication channels;
set up a space for displaced persons at KhNEU, where over 100 people received essential items – warm blankets, clothing, and pillows.

The Kharkiv IT Cluster community receives awards for its contributions to the defence and digitization of the Kharkiv region at the Annual General Meeting.

For Children’s Dreams

Every child is our future, and we cannot allow war to take away their most valuable asset — their dreams. Children need not only material assistance but also warmth, support, and attention to help them survive these difficult times.

after the shelling of Okhmatdyt by Russian forces on July 8, 2024, we donated 100,000 UAH to restore the country’s largest children’s medical facility and assist victims;
together with partner organizations Paracrew Humanitarian Aid and Actions Beyond Words, we became Secret Santas for young residents of a family-type orphanage — delivering rehabilitation equipment, food, warm clothing, and, of course, many gifts.

Volunteers at a family-type orphanage

Restoring Offline Education

Another urgent issue in the Kharkiv region is the lack of offline learning. The Kharkiv IT Cluster is addressing this problem alongside community IT companies by transforming city schools into innovation hubs:

this fall, we created a safe learning space called Family Hub «Happiness is Here» where children can study under the guidance of qualified mentors and among their peers;
on June 6, at KhNURE, along with the city council, the Kharkiv Reform Office, and IT companies led by EPAM Ukraine, we opened a new safe learning space where over 2,300 students can gain knowledge and practical skills;
in the summer, before the start of the school year, we donated 4 interactive boards to Kharkiv Lyceum No. 105 — panels that combine the functions of a computer, projector, and touchscreen;
that same month, we provided technical equipment and sports gear to the «Nova Bavaria» football team — as part of this initiative, 4 sports facilities in Kharkiv received assistance.

Our volunteers delivered sports equipment to the «Nova Bavaria» football team

saveTrempel 🤝 IT4Life

The saveTrempel project created with the support of the Kharkiv IT Cluster team, focuses on assisting the military.

We have supported more than 40 brigades by providing them with essential equipment, resources, and materials. We organized the delivery of high-tech communication devices, medical kits, and specialized gear to help the military perform their tasks as safely and efficiently as possible. One key direction is equipping units with Starlinks. This year, we surpassed 500 delivered systems.

We also collaborate with numerous volunteer and charitable organizations to ensure continuous support at all stages — from fundraising to targeted use. All reports on assistance to defenders are available on saveTrempel’s social media platforms, including Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook.

Receiving the Volunteer Card

All these initiatives and projects brought us an important recognition this year — the Kharkiv Volunteer Card for our volunteers Viktor Krot and Olena Loienko. This acknowledges their dedication and work, bringing our victory closer and significantly benefiting the city.

This card is an essential part of our city’s charitable movement. It opens new opportunities for volunteers who continue their activities despite the hardships and dangers of war. It confirms that IT4Life’s contribution to our city is valued and recognized.

IT4Life volunteers, Olena Loienko amd Victor Krot, received the Kharkiv Volunteer Card

Into 2025: Towards New Wins and Achievements

We left behind a year that tested us but also marked another step toward our shared victory. In 2025, we will continue working to ensure that every Ukrainian family, every soldier, and every child receives support and hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you for not standing aside. Without you, we could not have achieved what we have today.

See you in the new year with renewed strength for great deeds 💪