SoftServe and Okean Elzy donated 30 ambulances to Ukrainian medics

The SoftServe Open Eyes Charity Foundation, in partnership with the Okean Elzy band, has donated the 30th fully equipped ambulance to Ukrainian medics, completing the first stage of the joint project. Every month, just one ambulance saves dozens of lives of defenders and civilians who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression.

The partnership between the foundation and the band began in September 2024 as part of the Help for Ukraine world tour. Since then, the cars have been handed over to 29 units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces that are in the combat zone, including in Donetsk, Kursk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia and other areas. The last ambulances within the Drive for Life: Okean Elzy Edition project were handed over to medics from the Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine “Lyut” and the 808th Dniester Separate Support Brigade.

"Two of our cars broke down: one after being hit by an FPV, the other as a result of nearby shelling. The resulting car is suitable in size and equipment to work as a resuscitation vehicle. We use it as an intensive care unit: we transport the wounded in moderate and serious condition - either from the stabilization point to the hospital, or from the armor to the stabling point. I have seen a similar car before, been inside - it is a truly comfortable vehicle for work. I have been listening to rock music for a long time, and Svyatoslav's music shaped my attitude to the Ukrainian rock scene. The song "911" now sounds especially good to me," shares Serhiy (call sign Otto), commander of the tactical evacuation platoon of the Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine "Lyut".

The initiative brought together tens of thousands of concertgoers in Europe, the USA, Canada and the UK who joined the fundraising. Part of the funds for the ambulances were donated by Okean Elzy from ticket sales, and the project was also supported by SoftServe. In total, the project raised 23,662,842 hryvnias and concerts were held in 11 countries around the world .

“ Every day, our defenders risk the most precious thing — their lives. Their salvation is our priority, so since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the foundation has been systematically helping the front with ambulances, equipment, and medicines. Together with “Elsa’s Ocean,” we managed to transfer another 30 fully equipped ambulances so that our medics have everything they need for timely and effective assistance. We are extremely grateful to the group for their strong support and joint efforts for Ukraine’s victory,” comments Victoria Mishchuk, director of the Open Eyes Foundation.

In addition to purchasing ambulances, thanks to the powerful voice of "Ocean Elsa", an important message was conveyed to the international community - the war continues, and support for Ukraine remains critically needed. The cooperation does not end there - the foundation and the group will continue to raise funds for the needs of Ukrainian defenders.

Supporting military medics remains one of the fund’s key areas of activity. Ambulances are constantly needed at the front because they often become targets for the Russian military or break down. The fund works closely with medical units to provide not only transportation, but also full equipment to stabilize the wounded: defibrillators, stretchers, oxygen tanks, life support systems, ventilators, and other specialized equipment. Since February 2022, the fund has transferred 323 ambulances to the front, thanks to which it was possible to evacuate about 147 thousand people.

About the fund

Open Eyes is a charitable foundation founded by SoftServe in 2014, operating in Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. The foundation works in three key areas: supporting medical institutions, promoting education among youth and children, and assisting Ukrainian defenders and veterans.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Open Eyes Foundation focused its efforts on providing critical assistance to the country. During this time, the Foundation has delivered over 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid, reaching over 100,000 people. The Ukrainian military has received over 17,000 pieces of summer and winter uniforms, 816 pairs of shoes. The Foundation has supported 191 medical teams with the necessary resources and provided 1,460 pieces of medical equipment, as well as 323 ambulances that were sent to frontline areas.