The approach of spring encourages people to regain their athletic form after the cold winter. This year, the start of the running season becomes part of a major charity initiative, “Run & Raise. Spring,” which IDS Ukraine and Morshynska are inviting everyone to join in partnership with Run Ukraine. The main goal of the project is to convert every kilometer run into funds for the rehabilitation of defenders at the NextStep Ukraine center.
The charity campaign will begin on February 28 and conclude on April 5 during the Kyiv Unbreakable Half Marathon. Throughout this period, every kilometer completed by participants will be converted into 10 hryvnias to support defenders undergoing rehabilitation. All collected funds will be directed toward purchasing modern medical equipment and supporting recovery programs for those rebuilding their lives after injuries.
“Developing a new culture of supporting veterans and donating is part of Run Ukraine’s daily work. An ordinary run for your own health, thanks to Morshynska, turns into real funding for the rehabilitation of military personnel. It’s a perfect combination,” said Acting CEO of Run Ukraine, Ivan Tretiakov.
To participate, one simply needs to register on the initiative’s website and synchronize their runs via the Strava app. The accumulated kilometers will be automatically recorded in the participant’s Run Ukraine account. There are no geographic or age restrictions — anyone from anywhere in the world can run or even walk kilometers. Morshynska will then convert those kilometers into tangible support for veterans’ recovery.
This year, the organizers aim to involve as many participants as possible, including beginners. More offline group runs are planned, where experienced team captains will lead warm-ups and set the pace, allowing participants to experience the atmosphere of group training and unity for a charitable cause. To ensure comfortable adaptation for newcomers, separate Morshynska teams will be formed with guidance from more experienced runners.
“For IDS Ukraine, supporting veteran rehabilitation and the NextStep centers is a natural continuation of our long-standing mission. It is important to build a culture of respect and systematic support for defenders so that it becomes as natural a value as daily care for one’s own health. This project is another shared step on the long road of recovery for our heroes and their return to full life. ‘Run & Raise’ unites business and an active community, transforming every running activity into real assistance for veterans,” said IDS Ukraine CEO Marko Tkachuk.
In recent years, IDS Ukraine’s charitable support for NextStep Ukraine has reached 3.7 million hryvnias.
“Over the years of cooperation, our rehabilitation center and IDS Ukraine have become true friends. This new joint project with Morshynska demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of returning wounded defenders to active life. Reliable partnership helps ensure veterans receive the necessary support at every stage of their recovery,” emphasized Tetiana Hrubeniuk, Director of NextStep Ukraine.
Last year, 842 participants joined the “Run & Raise” initiative by Morshynska and NextStep, collectively covering 100,000 kilometers. As a result, IDS Ukraine transferred 1,000,000 hryvnias for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and equipment purchases for defenders recovering from severe injuries.
Join the “Run & Raise” campaign with Morshynska — every kilometer you complete brings defenders closer to recovery. Register starting February 27, run, walk, stay active, and help veterans take their decisive NextStep toward a full and active future.
