Emile Foundation receives the Order of Saint Panteleimon
July 31st, 2025
On the occasion of Ukraine’s National Medical Workers’ Day, the Emile Foundation has been awarded one of the country’s highest honours in humanitarian and medical service: the Order of Saint Panteleimon for Outstanding Humanitarian Service to Ukraine.
This international award, conferred by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, recognises the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organisations in providing lifesaving medical and humanitarian assistance. Since 2021, the award has also honoured international missions whose work has had a tangible impact in Ukraine.
We are deeply honoured to receive this distinction, a powerful symbol of trust from a nation at war to those who serve not for recognition, but out of deep conviction and solidarity.
Service on the frontlines of humanity
Since March 2022, just weeks after the full-scale invasion, the Emile Foundation has been working tirelessly to support Ukrainian civilians, especially the most vulnerable: children, families in frontline regions, and the wounded.
What we have done since then:
- Delivered over 100 tons of humanitarian aid to frontline hospitals, stabilisation points, and war-affected villages
- Reached cities like Bakhmut, Soledar, and Kherson, often just days before their fall or shortly after their liberation
- Located, protected, and supported the abducted children of Ukraine, working toward their safe return and psychological recovery
- Launched the construction of a specialised recovery centre for children with disabilities, autism, and severe war trauma
Each of these actions has come with challenges: danger, logistical obstacles, bureaucracy, and at times even attempts at defamation or sabotage. But our focus has remained unwavering: to serve the people of Ukraine with integrity, humanity, and courage.
A tribute to the Emile team
This award belongs to our entire team. To those who have driven into dangerous zones, sorted and delivered supplies by hand, coordinated rescue missions for children, and built programs from scratch while war raged around them. We thank you.
You have given up comfort, safety, and recognition to serve others. Your work has made a real difference.
We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Olga Gershuni, who quietly submitted our nomination without our knowledge. Her act of kindness and belief in our mission reminds us that sometimes angels walk among us.
More than a medal
Named after the patron saint of healing, the Order of Saint Panteleimon is more than a medal – it is a recognition that says, “We see you. We trust you.”
For an organisation like ours, that means everything. We do not seek applause. We are here to serve.
Upcoming ceremony in the Netherlands
In addition to the official ceremony held in Kyiv, a formal award presentation will also be held in the Netherlands, where the Emile Foundation is officially registered as an ANBI (charitable foundation). We will share further details soon.
For Ukraine. Always.
To the people of Ukraine: medics, mothers, children, and volunteers: this honour belongs to you as well.
Everything we do is for you, with you, and in the name of your freedom.
