Favbet Foundation, Andrij Matiukha, and Croatian Friends of Ukraine: Aid That Never Stops

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Croatia has become a safe haven for thousands of Ukrainians. A strong community has grown there, adapting to new realities while continuously supporting Ukraine. Through the cooperation of Favbet Foundation and Andrij Matiukha with Croatian partners, hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid have already been delivered to Ukraine, and displaced Ukrainians in Zagreb have gained access to spaces for learning, socializing, and cultural events.

Support space in Zagreb

In April 2022, Favbet Foundation helped establish an adaptation center in the Croatian capital for displaced Ukrainians. The center became a place where people could reconnect with a sense of home, meet like-minded individuals, and receive necessary support.

At the start, the center offered free Croatian and English lessons. Later, art therapy, children’s clubs, sports activities, Ukrainian language and math lessons were added.

Over time, the center became a cultural hub. In December 2023, the first St. Nicholas Day celebration was held, with gifts presented to children by Andrij Matiukha, President of Favbet Foundation. The event became annual and continues to attract more families each year.

In May 2024, Favbet Foundation supported a large-scale sports and festive festival organized by the NGO Chervona Kalyna for International Workers’ Day, attended by over 1,000 participants.

Later, the center hosted pottery workshops, Christmas markets, Ukrainian Language Days, Vyshyvanka Days, and summer festivals, helping Ukrainians in Croatia remain connected to their cultural roots.

Results of the cooperation between Dobro Dobrim and Favbet Foundation

The Croatian humanitarian association DOBRO DOBRIM (DoDo) was founded in 2021 after a series of earthquakes and, following February 24, 2022, began actively assisting Ukraine.

One of the most significant projects was the humanitarian shipment after the Kakhovka Dam destruction — over 11 tons of aid including food, warm clothing, baby food, medicines, mattresses, hygiene supplies, and pet food. The initiative involved the Favbet Foundation, Chervona Kalyna, Dobro Dobrim, and Ukrainian volunteers.

In 2024, the organizations jointly sent several trucks with essential goods and medical equipment to Ukraine. Subsequent initiatives included the delivery of food, disinfectants, and hygiene kits, made possible with the support of Favbet Foundation, its president Andrij Matiukha, Dobro Dobrim, Croatian companies Kefo d.o.o., Lochman & Rauscher, Medical Intertrade HEP, and the Government of Croatia.

In August 2025, the Ukrainian community in Zagreb, together with partners, organized a charity event for Ukraine’s Independence Day, gathering and sending in one day medicines, food, toys, hospital equipment, furniture, bicycles, and clothing.

Systematic aid from Favbet Foundation and a look into the future

The cooperation of Favbet Foundation with Croatian volunteers and organizations has shown that consistency and trust deliver the best results.

"We don’t see aid as a one-off gesture. Every shipment is a continuation of our shared effort. The important thing is to keep going," — says Andrij Matiukha.

The foundation plans to continue supporting educational and sports programs for Ukrainians.

All photos: Favbet Foundation