Letter from the President

Why am I doing this?

My name is Kirill Bogouslavski. I was born and raised in Russia. At the age of twelve I became involved in a youth program Club "Brave Boy" (in Russian only) that was helping orphans. My most cherished and inspiring memory from that time was participating in an expedition led by the people who currently run "Path - Sunny Side". It was a humanitarian expedition that created a pathway in the Caucasus mountains connecting two republics of the former Soviet Union. This path was completed in three months by the hands of fifty Russian orphans who were led by four adult volunteers. I was a part of this expedition as a wilderness survival guide. I was fourteen at the time and that experience has changed my outlook on life. I saw these fifty troubled children ages ten to fourteen come together and build friendships, learn integrity and self-reliance, support each other and develop social and survival skills that would become the most important tools in their lives. Having come back to their orphanages, these kids brought with them new philosophy of friendship and trust and taught these real values to many others.

Ever since then, in one way or the other, I have been involved with Russian orphanages: helping my American friend with the adoption of a little Russian orphan boy who now goes to school in Columbus, Ohio; facilitating the delivery of money to and buying basic necessities for the Vladivostok Orphanage for Infants; donating money to support Rescuer's School in certain times of need. Throughout the years, I have continued looking for ways to help orphans. This search has led me to the idea of establishing a non-profit foundation with the hope to reach out to the rest of the world.

Originally, I planned to run this foundation as a part time occupation. However my plans changed when I visited Russia to reestablish my connections with orphanages. I realized that it would be necessary to devote all my time and energy to this cause, because I have found such destruction and dysfunction in the Russian orphanage system. During this trip, I met so many talented and dedicated people who are trying to help Russian orphans and homeless children to survive. However, the state is unable to provide sufficient funding for helping orphans and homeless children.

Helping orphans is now my life and mission. I have given up my other career to dedicate all my time to running this fund. I am supporting myself on savings to keep this going. I feel that I have been chosen for this mission in life and nothing has ever felt more fulfilling. I am happy to have been given this chance and the opportunity to serve. I am just a tool in God's hands and my vision is to help those in need.

You can help too. You small contribution can save lives. Click here to see what $20 can do.