On July 12–18, 2026, the Happy Child Charitable Foundation organized the second trip this year for children from the Zaporizhzhia region to Hoverla and the Chornohora Ridge.
17 children from occupied communities who currently live in Zaporizhzhia were able to take a break from constant shelling for a few days. They climbed the highest mountain in Ukraine — Hoverla, visited the Hoverla Waterfall and the Pozhezhevska polonyna.
The most resilient and physically prepared participants reached Lake Nesamovyte and Mount Shpytsi, returning to the "Zaroslyak" tourist base via the Maryshevska polonyna and the Mosty tract on the Prut River. Another part of the group visited Mount Velyka Kozmeska and explored a World War I German military cemetery. The children also had a two-hour guided tour of the historical center of Ivano-Frankivsk.
The trip took place in quite difficult weather conditions, amidst frequent rains. Routes had to be constantly adjusted due to thunderstorms, and the ascent of Hoverla started at 6:30 AM so that the group could safely return before a heavy downpour began.
Organizing such trips during the war requires significant effort and cooperation from many people and organizations. The foundation sincerely thanks the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration and the administrations of the occupied communities of Melitopol, Vesele, and frontline Komyshuvakha.
We also express our gratitude to Ukrzaliznytsia for free transportation, and to the Proliska Humanitarian Mission for providing a bus from Zaporizhzhia to the railway station in Kirovohrad Oblast.
All other travel expenses were funded thanks to benefactors of the "Happy Child" Foundation. This included transportation from Ivano-Frankivsk to the foot of Hoverla, meals, tourist equipment, a first-aid kit, and group accompaniment.
Special thanks go to Janice and Eric from the USA, who donated funds raised from selling their own pottery.
We sincerely thank our accompanying staff — Anzhela, Artur, Larysa, as well as volunteer Denver from the USA.
Ahead lie new trips for children living in the frontline region. To carry them out, we really need the support of caring people.
Support the program:
We will also be grateful for help with transportation (a bus for 18+ seats) in the Carpathian region and are looking for volunteers with hiking experience to accompany children's groups.
