A true marathon of kindness took place in Dnipro – Good Deeds Week, organized by the Jewish Student Cultural Center “Hillel.” For seven days, young people engaged in volunteer initiatives, shared warmth, supported those in need, and proved that changing the world for the better is simple — if we act together.
What is Good Deeds Week?
Good Deeds Week is an international initiative that was born in Israel in 2007 with the goal of uniting people around the desire to do good. Each year, millions of participants in over 100 countries join projects aimed at helping others, raising environmental awareness, supporting educational initiatives, and developing communities. For Hillel Dnipro, this has already become a tradition — every year, the team brings together young people who are eager to share kindness and make the world brighter.
How did it happen in Dnipro this year?
The week opened with a touching and warm event — the “Kindness Workshop.” Volunteers met with children from a shelter for internally displaced persons. The interactive session on the theme of neighborliness was held in a playful format. The children made paper refrigerators, colored food items, chatted, and laughed — an activity that was both fun and educational.
“It was a meeting about warmth, care, and sincere involvement,” shared Olena Kolpina, Director of Hillel in Dnipro.
Next came the “ProKindness” event as part of the “Judaism with Taste” project, where participants learned more about volunteering — discussing international volunteer organizations founded by Jews or connected to Israel. It was both educational and inspiring — examples of such initiatives motivated the youth to take action.
On Friday, Hillel hosted a volunteer Shabbat, filled with peace and creativity. Participants made plasticine figures as part of an anti-stress therapy activity. It was not only a way to relax after a busy week, but also a reminder that doing good can be joyful and healing — even childlike.
The culmination was a charity “kvartirnik” (a cozy informal concert at home) on Saturday: a chamber atmosphere, songs with guitar, heartfelt conversations — all of this helped raise funds for a trip to an animal shelter.
And finally, on Sunday, April 13, the volunteers visited “DniproAnimals”, a shelter for rescued animals. Interacting with furry friends became a true form of therapy — for both people and the animals who so deeply need affection and attention. It was the perfect conclusion to the week — warm, soulful, and filled with empathy.
Good Deeds Week has come to an end, but the energy of kindness lives on in the hearts of the participants and continues to inspire positive change every day. Because kindness is not a one-time event — it’s a way of life.
