Kiwis offered to learn about Russia's charity work

Kiwis offered unique opportunity to learn about charity’s work in Russia

1 November 2015

Orphans Aid International is delighted to offer supporters around the country the opportunity to meet its Russian project directors for the very first time in November.

Sue van Schreven, Founder and CEO of Orphans Aid International, says the charity has been partnering with Yulyia and Yuri Metelkin to care for disadvantaged children in Russia since 2006, but this is the first time the couple have had the opportunity to travel outside of Eastern Europe.

“Every week they care for around 70 children and teenagers, who have simply been forgotten or abandoned, through our Auyshki Centre in Kostroma, Russia.

“Many of these children live in despair in institutions or children’s correction centres, so the Auyshki Centre’s assistance in breaking the cycle of hopelessness has been simply life-changing for these little people.”

The Centre has also been working closely with older children who have been forced to leave orphanages with little or no life skills, often leading to them living in very difficult situations.

“For many of these children, Yulyia and Yuri are the parents they never had,” says Mrs van Schreven.

Opportunities to meet the Auyshki Centre directors begin on Monday 2 November in Queenstown, followed by events in Invercargill, Dunedin, Blenheim, Palmerston North and Bulls, and end with two last chances in Hastings over 13-14 November.

Mrs van Schreven says these events give locals a chance to hear first-hand about the work Yulyia, Yuri and their team are doing in Russia, often with great sacrifice, to bring real change to some very disadvantaged children.

“I look forward to connecting with many of our supporters over the next two weeks and sharing the needs and the rescues happening through our Russian project.”

The project directors also bring with them a beautiful range of Matryoshka dolls to help with Orphans Aid International’s fundraising efforts over the Christmas period.

ENDS

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