How Andrii Matiukha and Croatian partners provide support to Ukraine
Since the first days of the full-scale war, Croatia has become a place of support and new opportunities for Ukrainians. An active community quickly emerged here, uniting displaced people and helping them stay connected to their homeland. Thanks to the joint efforts of Androii Matiukha and Croatian partners, hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid have already been delivered to Ukraine, while Ukrainians in Croatia now have a space for learning, cultural development, and adaptation.
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Andrii Matiukha supports the opening of a Ukrainian support center in Zagreb
In April 2022, the foundation chaired by Andrii Matiukha supported the opening of the Adaptation Center for Ukrainians in Zagreb. The center has become a hub for social interaction, learning, and mutual support, hosting children’s workshops, gatherings, holiday events, and informal conversations over coffee.
Initially, the center offered free Croatian and English classes, later adding art therapy, sports activities, and creative workshops. Children also attend lessons in Ukrainian, mathematics, and reading.
In December 2023, the center held its first St. Nicholas Day celebration, attended by over 150 children and their parents. Andrii Matiukha personally handed out gifts. The event has now become an annual tradition.
In May 2024, the foundation co-organized a sports and festive festival in Zagreb with the NGO Chervona Kalyna for International Workers’ Day. Over 1,000 people participated in activities and workshops, helping Ukrainians and Croatians connect. That same year, the center hosted pottery workshops and Christmas events.
The center also serves as a platform for celebrating Ukrainian Language Day, Vyshyvanka Day, and summer festivals, helping Ukrainians in Croatia maintain cultural identity and a sense of unity.
Collaboration with Croatian association Dobro Dobrim
The humanitarian association Dobro Dobrim (DoDo) was founded in 2021 to support earthquake victims in Croatia. After the start of the full-scale war, it shifted its efforts to helping Ukraine.
Andrii Matiukha and the foundation he leads regularly supports the formation of large humanitarian shipments. After the Kakhovka dam destruction, over 11 tons of aid were sent, including food, clothing, hygiene items, medicine, and even pet food. Contributors included Chervona Kalyna, Dobro Dobrim, the foundation team led by Andrii Matiukha, and hundreds of Ukrainian displaced people.
In 2024, another shipment of aid was sent to frontline regions.
The next initiative involved sending essential goods, food, and medical disinfectants. Participants included the foundation team led by Andrii Matiukha, Dobro Dobrim, Croatian companies Kefo d.o.o., Lochman & Rauscher, Medical Intertrade HEP, and the Government of Croatia.
In August, the Ukrainian community in Zagreb celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence with a charity event. Humanitarian aid collected included medicines, surgical kits, food, toys, hospital equipment, furniture, and bicycles. The event was organized by the foundation team led by Andrii Matiukha, Dobro Dobrim, the Embassy of Ukraine in Croatia, and Chervona Kalyna.
Andrii Matiukha’s plans for the future
Collaboration with Croatian communities and volunteers has shown that unity and systematic work produce strong results.
“Every truckload is direct help for those holding the line at home. Events in Croatia help our displaced citizens feel support and maintain their strength. We work to ensure assistance arrives regularly and build lasting partnerships that allow us to expand the scale,”
— Andrii Matiukha.
The foundation team led by Andrii Matiukha plans to continue supporting educational, sports, and social projects for Ukrainians.