Ukraine Relief Campaign Partner Spotlight: Plast – National Scout Organization of Ukraine
June 30, 2022 | The Toy Foundation (TTF) and global play community have collectively raised more than $4 million in monetary and product donations for Ukraine relief efforts. One of the local nonprofits supported by TTF is Plast – National Scout Organization of Ukraine (Plast), a voluntary and independent all-Ukrainian youth organization providing on-the-ground relief for millions of children and families in need.
Active throughout the whole country, Plast is the biggest youth organization in Ukraine uniting more than 8,500 scouts. In response to Russia’s war on Ukraine, the scouts quickly organized support for people in war-torn areas and those who have been internally displaced. The organization’s impact includes supplying 200+ tons of food, medical, and other supplies to cities under attack; creating employment opportunities for parents; coordinating counseling services; and hosting daily children’s activities.
“We left Kyiv in the beginning of March and are very happy that Plast has organized many activities for children. My 6-year-old son Anton is enthusiastic to go every day; he loves the music lessons and even asked me to buy him a guitar when we are back home,” said Oksana, a mother currently living in Ivano-Frankivsk.
Thanks to the generosity of TTF and the play community, Plast is expanding these services to reach an additional 500 children, with:
- Year-round daily day camps with activities for all age groups, including arts & crafts, music, local excursions, and various development activities;
- Development and educational lessons for preschoolers to young adults;
- Afterschool “masterclass” programming for teens to learn various skills and trades; and
- Reconstruction of its bomb shelter for the safety of students;
- Parent assistance programs to provide professional trainings, help create or restart a small business, and gain employment.
“It is so meaningful to the children and their families to establish these different activities to offer some comfort and routine for their new life,” said Nataliia Kyiak, coordinator of activities for internally displaced children for Plast. “Filling the children’s days with English lessons, music, and painting also gives parents some relief and the ability to look for a job or handle other tasks.”
TTF committed to supporting Plast through the summer months and is continuing to accept cash and product donations here. Members can also reach out directly to TTF’s Executive Director Pamela Mastrota or its Director of Development John Fistolera with any questions, to donate, or support TTF’s efforts.
Learn more about The Toy Foundation’s work at ToyFoundation.org.