«Fortechniy» Foundation: housing construction - thanks to those who risk their lives for the sake of our freedom

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we can observe how people are rallying, new ways of mutual support, help and unity are being established. In just a few months, volunteer and charitable movements have gained serious momentum and have support both in our country and abroad. Ukrainians have proven that they can do everything: from buying walkie-talkies for a specific brigade to successfully closing a fundraiser for three bayraktars.

At the same time, Ukrainians are rallying around helping displaced people affected by the war and those who are currently defending our country. We have already talked about one of these initiatives: the «Fortechniy» charitable foundation plans to finance the construction of a six-story building with 41 apartments in Kropyvnytskyi, the owners of which defenders and/or their families will become victims of the war with Russia.

The founder of the fund, Mykola Kozlovskyi, told CBN about the foundation, work of the fund and plans for the future.

– How relevant is charity in Ukraine now, during a full-scale war?

– With the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, there was a surge in the philanthropic movement, many Ukrainians joined both volunteering and philanthropy. Volunteers help the residents of the territories that are in the war zone, provide them with food, basic necessities, medicines, etc. The issue of additional staffing of military units with transport, means of personal protection and ammunition, as well as special equipment, such as drones and thermal imagers, is being resolved. Citizens of Ukraine willingly responded to the call to raise funds for the Armed Forces, as well as to help displaced people and families left homeless as a result of shelling.

After five and a half months of war, the need for charity did not decrease; if the staffing situation in military units has improved, then there is an urgent need for the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. In addition, tens of thousands of families are seeking shelter in safer regions of Ukraine, not expecting to return home in the near future. Therefore, I believe, charity in Ukraine will not lose its relevance for a long time.

When you are powerless to professionally help the Armed Forces at the front, you are constantly looking for other opportunities to be useful for victory. You master yourself and start doing what you have been doing all your life – to unite and organize people around him to do absolutely necessary things: build block posts, make anti-tank «hedgehogs» and additional protection to standard body armor (ER-plates), look for manufacturers of various equipment around the world – this is your help to the country, which is no different from the usual life of an entrepreneur.

– How did the idea to create a charity organization come about?

–The idea appeared at the beginning of March this year, when everyone understood the extent of the destruction of cities and towns in Ukraine as a result of shelling by the Russian invaders. Initially, the idea of building temporary housing for displaced people was considered, but after studying various proposals, they realized the limitations of this project – high costs with a short period of use, as well as difficulties with the availability of land plots in the city for placing a large number of modular houses.

Already having a valid land lease agreement and an almost finished project of a six-story multi-apartment building with agreed technical conditions, all we had to do was get the project expertise and permission to start construction, without taking into account the usual organizational issues such as finding designers, a construction company, etc.

However, it is currently impossible for a separate company to finance the construction of at least one house with its own funds, so it was decided to create a charitable organization that will help raise funds for the implementation of this project.

– What is the foundation's mission, goals, objectives?

– The primary goal we set is – joint efforts to begin the reconstruction of Ukraine, to provide housing for servicemen and their families affected by Russia's armed aggression, those who risked their lives for the sake of our freedom. The fund also plans to provide material assistance to our defenders for treatment and rehabilitation after injuries and injuries.

Restore a strong Ukraine and strong Ukrainians – our mission

– Why exactly «Fortechniy»?

– One of the most famous historical places of Kropyvnytskyi – the fortress of Saint Elizabeth, and the name of the district of the city where the land plot for construction is located, – Fortress.

– What areas of activity are you developing? What projects, in addition to building a house, do you plan to implement?

–In addition to the construction of housing for military personnel, we plan to develop a town project with three-story houses for two together with city architects. three thousand residents and offer it for joint implementation to the city community within the framework of the «Construction of housing for displaced persons» program. The project includes not only residential buildings, but also administrative and public premises, sports and children's playgrounds, recreation areas.

The fund plans to join the campaign to inform the population about new street names in honor of the defenders of Ukraine. In this area of activity, we cooperate with the toponymic project «Svoi», the printing company «KOD», outstanding artists and well-known graphic designers of our region. We should all know our Heroes and preserve their memory for future generations.

– Do you have partners and like-minded people in this matter?

– Charity – it's a team effort, you can't be an expert on everything. To implement the planned projects, the fund needs the participation of professionals from various fields: architects, builders, financiers, logisticians, IT specialists and many others. Young people also work in the team on a volunteer basis.

– What problems do charitable foundations face, and yours in particular?

– Starting is always difficult. This applies to both charitable organizations and any initiative. We must declare ourselves not only with words, but also with deeds, and, most importantly, – useful for society. We are lucky to live in a free and technologically advanced country, where everyone can easily register their own business or public organization on their smartphone, and provide reporting, bypassing bureaucratic obstacles.

But, unfortunately, this also leads to negative consequences: there are plots that profit at the expense of gullible compatriots. Therefore, the credo of any charitable organization in Ukraine – to be transparent in one's activities, not to collude with one's own conscience and not to tarnish one's name.

–How do you see the fund in ten years?

– It is difficult to predict exactly what and how will change around us after so much time, the main thing for the fund – to fulfill the commitments undertaken to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

I believe that there will be a new impetus for the country's economy. What is a hundred hryvnias for most of us, or a thousand for an enterprise? Millions of Ukrainians are able to additionally attract hundreds of millions of hryvnias into the economy, and this, in turn, uses its driving force – construction. Factories and plants for the production of metal, concrete, bricks, insulation, windows and furniture will start operating. Companies specializing in the sale of household appliances, electronics, and finishing materials will also receive a development perspective. Work begets other work, – such is the law of business.

– Why do you need to donate specifically to «Fortechniy»?

– CF «Fortechniy» – housing and urgent material assistance for our military, honoring the defenders who died in this unjust war, and preserving their memory. The next steps are possible only with the full support of entrepreneurs, patrons and residents of our region. Reconstruction of Ukraine is possible only with joint efforts.

–Who and what inspires you?

–Gratitude and thanks again to our defenders for the fact that we can feel free in our state – it helps.

When you devote yourself completely to your work, there are both strengths and opportunities. Many acquaintances looked completely confused at the beginning of the war, but little by little they recovered and began to do their usual work – sow, manufacture, service, deliver… We should not be in a state of constant expectation or stress – work helps to cope with all troubles. We believe in the ZSU and we work.

I am inspired by my family and boys who, despite all the difficulties, protect our future.