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In a world often filled with negativity, there are individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make a difference and create a better, more inclusive world. In our latest podcast episode, we had the honor of meeting Emanuele Santi, the visionary founder of “Riding the Rainbow,” and Lena Shevchenko, a Ukrainian mother living in Luxembourg, who discussed their project’s journey toward inclusivity and the power of donations to positively impact lives.

The Birth of Riding the Rainbow

The story of “Riding the Rainbow”  begins at the start of the war in Ukraine when Emmanuel and his team started giving away bicycles to young refugees. Witnessing the joy and emotional connection these simple gifts brought to the children, they realized the potential to create something much bigger and more impactful. They decided to go digital and developed an app that allows people from all over the world to donate and establish connections with refugees.

The importance of these emotional connections go beyond material possessions. The Riding the Rainbow app is not just about giving away items; it’s about fostering empathy and understanding between donors and recipients. The app enables users to donate various items, such as toys, books, electronics, and bicycles, which hold emotional significance and create a sense of familiarity and support for those in need.

Riding the Rainbow is a powerful testament to the impact of connecting people and the importance of involving younger generations in acts of kindness. The Riding the Rainbow app provides a platform for people to connect personally with the recipients of their donations. By meeting and understanding each other’s stories, donors and recipients alike feel less alone in the world, creating a sense of gratitude and support. The app is now operational in eleven countries, impacting the lives of over 800 kids.

Lena Shevchenko’s Remarkable Efforts 

Lena Shevchenko, a refugee from Ukraine, shared her own experiences since arriving in Luxembourg. Despite finding safety, she remains deeply concerned about the war’s devastating effects on children back home. Driven by her strong personality and organizational skills, she became a volunteer, extending a helping hand to the army and those struggling to survive in the most tragic areas of Ukraine. Her dedication has touched the lives of around 40 people, assisting them in integrating into their new home in Luxembourg.

Beyond her volunteer efforts, Lena went above and beyond to make a difference. With a compassionate heart, she developed an application – a personal online course – to support Ukrainian moms who have no internet access or electricity. Her goal was to provide them with valuable educational and entertaining content, shielding their children from stress and ensuring their psychological well-being.

Living in Luxembourg has been a blessing for her. The incredible warmth and empathy of the people she has encountered there have left a profound impact on her heart. She is deeply grateful for the support and love she has received from these amazing individuals.But despite finding comfort in Luxembourg, her heart remains heavy with concern for her homeland. The ongoing war continues to take its toll on innocent lives, and Lena’s thoughts are never far from the people suffering back in Ukraine. It’s as if she leads two lives – one in Luxembourg, surrounded by love and care, and another in a world constantly torn apart by conflict.

Through her experiences, she has shown that kindness transcends borders. Her commitment to helping others, no matter the distance, is an inspiration to all. 

How You Can Get Involved 

Through Riding the Rainbow, people have the opportunity to form connections and better understand the struggles and triumphs of others, fostering a sense of gratitude and support.

Here are the steps you can take to get involved today: 

1. Download the Riding the Rainbow app from their official website to participate in this transformative project.
2. Encourage others to use the app and donate unused items, such as bicycles, toys, books, electronics, and more, to make a difference in the lives of refugees and vulnerable migrants.
3. Advocate for the integration of technology platforms like the Riding the Rainbow app to foster empathy and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
4. Support the mission of Riding the Rainbow by spreading awareness and exploring opportunities for collaboration or support from organizations interested in promoting inclusivity and creating a better world.
5. Involve children in acts of giving back by encouraging them to use the app and witness firsthand the impact their donations can have on someone else’s life.

So, it’s time to hop on this rainbow ride of spreading love, care, and support. Are you ready to make a difference? Download the app, spread the word, and let’s change lives, one small act of kindness at a time. Together, we can truly make this world a better place!