From the very first days of the full-scale war, Croatia has been a safe haven for Ukrainians. A strong, active community quickly formed, supporting displaced people and helping Ukraine. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Favbet Foundation and Croatian partners, hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid have already reached Ukraine, while in Croatia, Ukrainians now have spaces to learn, rest, and grow.

Adaptation Center in Zagreb: A second home for Ukrainians

In April 2022, Favbet Foundation supported the opening of the Adaptation Center for Ukrainians in Zagreb. The center quickly became a place for socializing, support, and inspiration.

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Initially, the center offered free Croatian and English classes. Later, it expanded to include art therapy, creative workshops, and lessons in Ukrainian and mathematics for children. The center provides a space where people can adapt to new life circumstances while preserving their Ukrainian identity.

In December 2023, the center celebrated St. Nicholas Day for the first time, attended by many children who received gifts personally from Andrii Matiukha. Since then, this celebration has become an annual tradition.

Photo: Favbet Foundation

In May 2024, the NGO Chervona Kalyna, with support from Favbet Foundation, organized a Labor Day sports festival, which brought together over 1,000 people. During the summer, pottery workshops were held, and in winter, Christmas gatherings took place. The center also hosts Ukrainian Language Day, Vyshyvanka Day, and summer festivals every year, helping the community maintain cultural ties.

Joint humanitarian initiatives with Croatian charity Dobro Dobrim

The Croatian association Dobro Dobrim (DoDo) was established after the 2021 earthquakes, and with the outbreak of war, it focused its efforts on supporting Ukraine.

With the help of Favbet Foundation, the organization has sent dozens of humanitarian shipments. After the Kakhovka dam incident, 11 tons of aid — including food, clothing, medicine, and hygiene products — were delivered to Ukraine. In 2024, additional shipments included food, medicine, equipment, and essential goods for frontline regions.

A separate large shipment contained medical equipment, hygiene supplies, food, and technology. The project was implemented with participation from Favbet Foundation, Andrii Matiukha, Dobro Dobrim, Croatian companies Kefo d.o.o., Lochman & Rauscher, Medical Intertrade HEP, and the Government of Croatia.

In August, the Ukrainian community in Zagreb celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day with a charity event, collecting essential items — from medicines to hospital furniture and bicycles. The event was supported by the Favbet Foundation, Dobro Dobrim, Chervona Kalyna, and the Embassy of Ukraine.

Andrii Matiukha on Favbet Foundation’s future plans

Photo: Favbet Foundation

“Every shipment is a symbol of trust and support for people in Ukraine. We work to ensure aid never stops,” — says Andrii Matiukha, President of Favbet Foundation.

The Foundation continues to develop projects in education and sports, strengthening support for Ukrainians both in Croatia and at home.