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Volunteers Make Gift of Life Possible

At Gift of Life, we are incredibly lucky to be supported by compassionate, talented, and generous volunteers who help us deliver events and fundraising campaigns throughout the year.

Whether it’s greeting guests at charity auctions, helping with event logistics, creating digital content, or offering professional skills behind the scenes, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

As a small team, we simply couldn’t achieve as much without them.

From long-time supporters to first-time helpers, each person who shares their time with us brings something unique. Some join to gain new experience, others to give back. 

Nadia Raud, Animal Rights Activist: “My mother once came to the hospital with me to visit ill children. She returned in tears; she could not stand seeing sick children. Until now, she cannot understand why I am doing this. Remembering the words of Yuri Shevchuk about charity, which is necessary for someone to stay alive, I will add: charity helps someone to become a person. And I really wanted to be a Human”.

Natalia Sharapova, Lawyer: “It is important for me to be part of a social project that supports seriously ill children from poorer families, especially in such difficult times. I see the work of Gift of Life, I know the stories of cancer survivors who have been cured with the foundation’s support, they have grown up, graduated from universities, got into employment and now live life to the full.”

Miriam Kanner, Student: “A friend invited me to join her on the Gift of Life volunteer team, knowing we share a passion for dedicating our time, energy, and compassion to those who need it most. Volunteering turns my passion into impact, weaving countless fibres between myself and the challenges that call for immediate support. I never quite know how my day will unfold, but if I manage to help at least one person, then I know it wasn’t a day wasted”.

Natalia Prujanskaia, Compliance Analyst: “Volunteering for Gift of Life has been a deeply meaningful experience for me. It’s not just about giving time—it’s about standing with children fighting cancer and supporting families facing unimaginable challenges. It’s about making sure they never feel alone in their battle. Whether helping at events, raising awareness, or simply being there, I’ve witnessed the strength of compassion and community. I’m honoured to be part of this mission, where every effort brings hope and healing.”

Vera Krysanova, Tech Program Manager: “I think that in modern society, at some point more or less everyone ends up facing the issue of whether to give aid. But many tend to believe that surely there must be somebody else, somewhere else, who will support that charity. In reality, giving aid starts with a few very simple steps that anyone can take. Anyone at all. I want to be part of this kind-hearted and vitally important work.”

Elena Verizhnikova, Perfumery Expert: “For me, the most inspiring and motivating thing about Gift of Life is the recovery stories of its patients. When you look at smiling children who have coped with a serious illness, you know that your effort is never wasted and even a small donation helps to change the life of a child and their family.”

We’ve had the pleasure of working with wonderful people, whose time and energy made a real difference at our recent events. From welcoming guests at high-profile evenings like the London premiere of “Healing”, which raised over £600,000 for the charity, to helping with family-friendly initiatives like “Kids for Kids”, and supporting powerful performances such as Chulpan Khamatova’s one-woman show in London – our volunteers play a vital role. Whether assisting during auctions, coordinating activities for children, or helping behind the scenes, their dedication ensures our events run smoothly and leave a lasting impact.

Why volunteer with us?

Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, develop skills, and support a meaningful cause. Over 25 million people in the UK volunteer each year and we’re proud to be part of that vibrant community. If you’re passionate about helping children beat cancer and want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Tatiana Potashova, Investor Relations Manager: In my free time, I volunteer with Gift of Life. I usually help welcome guests at events and assist during auctions. I truly enjoy what I do because the emotions I see from the children, their parents, and the donors are the most genuine and therefore, incredibly important. I believe this is an invaluable experience.”

Tatiana Beaujoin, Art Gallery Co-Founder and Anna Kutsenko, Director, M&A Advisory are close friends who share a deep commitment to helping others.

Tatiana: “Volunteering for Gift of Life is my way of giving back to people in need and my home country which I left over 10 years ago and keep visiting every year. Donate your time, donate money and give a child with cancer a second chance in life”. 

Anna: “Outside of work I try to switch off and engage into more social, community-oriented activities, and volunteering with a children’s charity is a way for me to feel part of an extraordinary and brave team with huge hearts and do what really matters. I help Gift of Life because they do what they claim – support dozens of children with cancer every year”.

Oxana Kostromina, Web & Graphic Designer: “I began volunteering with Gift of Life by chance, after discovering the foundation through social media. What started as a simple offer to support with design turned into a meaningful journey. Contributing to Gift of Life allows me to use my creativity for a cause that truly matters—helping others and making a real difference.”

Ways to support us:

  • Join our event team at future fundraising or awareness events
  • Lend your professional expertise in areas like design, marketing, photography, or copywriting
  • Contribute to volunteer stories and share your experience with others
  • Gain volunteer experience as a teen, we’ve welcomed students who chose Gift of Life for their community service or joined us for summer work experience

By giving your time, you help Gift of Life focus more of its resources directly on supporting seriously ill children. Every hour volunteered helps us save more lives and we are deeply grateful for every one of them.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and making a real difference.

Interested in volunteering or offering your skills? Contact us at info@giftoflife.eu.

Together, we can do more. Together, we give the gift of life.