In today's world, where challenges have become synonymous with everyday life, the deeds of people who remain on the side of light are impressive and inspiring. One such person is Ruslan Telipsky, head of the volunteer movement “Patrons for Soldiers” (MdS), which is now 10 years old, and founder of one of its projects, “Children of the Heavenly Legion.”
The emergence of the project
Launched with the aim of supporting the families of fallen soldiers, the “Children of the Heavenly Legion” project was established in 2016 as part of a broader volunteer activity. “My goal was to help not only the soldiers, but also their families in overcoming the burden of loss,” says Mr. Ruslan.
In November 2016, Ruslan founded the social project Children of the Heavenly Legion (CHL) to provide comprehensive support to children who lost their parents due to the war and, as a result, their carefree childhood. As of 2025, the volunteer movement “Patrons for Soldiers,” led by Telipsky, cares for more than 1,000 such half-orphaned children from Volyn and 15 other regions of Ukraine. These children are provided with psychological, humanitarian, and moral assistance.
There were many requests for assistance, but from the very beginning, it became clear that the children of fallen heroes needed special attention. "We called them ‘Children of the Heavenly Legion’ because it is not easy to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
Volunteer holidays for children
Holidays and camps organized for the “Children of the Heavenly Legion” occupy a special place in the movement's work. “These events allow us to create a community, to become a support and family for the children. They look at others and understand: I am not alone in my pain,” says Mr. Telipsky.
The movement's volunteers constantly organize leisure activities to spend time with the children, play together, and be together. In addition, they try to raise children in a patriotic and socially active spirit: they visit wounded soldiers, weave camouflage nets for the front, create drawings for the military, and so on. During the summer or school holidays, they organize camps for children and teenagers to bring them together and shift their attention from the tragedy of irreparable loss to friendship and support from kindred spirits. At the same time, they try to develop the talents of children and young people, motivate them to learn, explore their own and European culture, and talk about integration with the civilized world.
“We try to create a space where they can play, laugh, and forget about their trials. It is a place of kindness and positivity.” One of the permanent venues for meetings and camps is the Zamlynnya Integration Center, located near Lyuboml in the Volyn region. The center has a beautiful recreational and landscape area, with rich infrastructure for active recreation, clean ecology, and a safe environment. Zamlynnya is located almost on the border with the Republic of Poland, so children feel safe here. This center is headed by the leader of the religious organization “Caritas Spes - Zamlynnya,” Roman Catholic priest Jan Buras.
No amount of rest or material possessions can compensate for the children's loss, but active recreation in Zamlynnya helps them to switch gears, gain new experiences, and enjoy pleasant emotions during their stay, helping them to feel better. In this special place, children not only find new friends, but also gain the strength to support each other, rise above difficult losses, and overcome their fears.
Everything is taken care of: comfortable accommodation in the building and excellent four meals a day, trips to the forest and tactile hippotherapy and horse riding on three horses, interfaith prayer, interesting team games and quests, outdoor activities, as well as evening events, games, and various educational sessions. “This is not just a vacation, but a restoration of strength and faith in a better future. We also hold educational events to help children develop their talents.”
The role of the non-profit organization “Hromada”
According to Mr. Telipsky, many years of cooperation with “Hromada” have been extremely important for the implementation of several important projects. “In 2023, with funds from Hromada, we were able to buy cameras for the children and organize several photography courses. This not only allowed them to develop their skills, but also gave them the opportunity to feel part of something big.”
In January 2025, Hromada funded a camp for 40 children, providing them with a full-fledged vacation and a rich program. “We are grateful for every penny, because it is an opportunity to change lives for the better.”
Hromada also supported educational initiatives such as photography courses and handicraft classes for children and mothers. Ruslan notes that this collaboration has become a real bridge of trust between volunteers and the families of heroes. “Every project funded by the community has a powerful effect: children find themselves in creativity, and mothers get the opportunity to feel support.”
Travel and Shevchenko

Ruslan Telipsky is known not only for his volunteer work, but also for his passion for Ukraine's cultural heritage. He has traveled to over 60 countries, exploring monuments dedicated to Shevchenko. “Travel changes us, opens new horizons, and helps us better understand ourselves and others,” says Ruslan.
He pays special attention to organizing cultural evenings for children, during which he introduces them to Ukrainian culture and history. “We recite poems, visit monuments, and learn to appreciate what shapes our nation. It's not just a class, it's part of their identity.”
During his travels, Ruslan shares his experience with other volunteers and event organizers abroad, creating unique programs for children. His work inspires new generations to study history and honor national heroes.
Challenges and plans
“The hardest part of our work is gaining the trust of families,” Ruslan shares. “Every story is an emotional experience, but it is these connections that enable us to truly help.”
Organizing camps and events amid a constant increase in requests for help is a particular challenge. However, the movement does not stop: each new program is another step toward creating an environment where children and families can find peace, inspiration, and support.
We still have many plans ahead of us: organizing new camps, educational programs, supporting new families, and creating cultural initiatives that will allow children not only to recover but also to reveal their talents. "We are not stopping because we know that our work has meaning. We are building a future where every child who has lost a loved one will feel needed and important."
Ruslan Telipsky is an example of how one person can change the lives of thousands. His love for children, for his work, and for Ukraine inspires and reminds us that kindness always wins.