How did the partnership with ZhdU begin, and what built trust in this collaboration from the start?

Our partnership with ZhdU began at the very outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine. At that time, we joined forces to provide warm clothing and hygiene items to maternity hospitals in frontline regions, supporting prematurely born babies who were especially vulnerable.

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As a parent organization, we were receiving an overwhelming number of requests from families. Together with the Ukrainian Academy of Pediatric Sciences, we sought ways to scale our response effectively. This cooperation led us to build the Fit for Winter campaign. What began as an emergency response has evolved into a trusted, long-lasting partnership supporting vulnerable families across Ukraine for four consecutive years.

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Beyond the team's professionalism and transparency, we have been deeply moved by their genuine compassion, thoughtful approach, and care for Ukrainian families. Their clear communication and shared values made it seamless to build trust and maximize our impact together – as the team.

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What does ZhdU's support make possible that Early Birds could not achieve alone?

Ukrainian families with premature babies are facing enormous challenges: internal displacement, constant anxiety and stress, loss of income, separation from partners, and uncertainty about the future.

Through the Fit for Winter initiative, we provide free care packages containing essentials like clothing, blankets, hygiene products, and educational resources for parent support communities. Distributed directly through hospitals via a highly efficient process, these packages reach families exactly when they need them most.

Beyond practical relief, this initiative sends a powerful message to parents: you are not alone. Without this partnership, achieving this level of national outreach would have been impossible.

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Was there a specific moment during this edition of Fit for Winter that stood out?

Hearing from hospital staff across Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and over 20 other Ukrainian cities was incredibly meaningful. Their feedback reminded us that this project is about creating reassurance and continuity of care.

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Tragically, we also learned that the number of babies left by parents in maternity wards has increased during the war. With the swift agreement and flexibility of the ZhdU team and Lita, we were able to quickly adapt the package content, supplying critical hygiene items specifically for abandoned infants in Kyiv and Dnipro.

Why is it critical that Fit for Winter continues?

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This project offers warmth, dignity, and emotional solidarity to families navigating the dual challenge of caring for a premature newborn while living through war for a fifth consecutive year. Continuing this initiative ensures that every family receives basic necessities and access to a community that understands their experience –  from parent to parent.

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What would you say to potential donors or partners considering supporting this initiative?

Supporting Fit for Winter is a direct investment in the resilience of Ukraine’s most vulnerable families. Every contribution helps provide essential care and a sense of hope during an incredibly dark period. When medical professionals, parent organizations, and committed partners work together, we can create the lasting impact.