2024 was an important and remarkable year for Fenix Charity Fund, a Lithuanian charity organization dedicated to improving the lives of children.
Over the past year, Fenix Charity Fund was involved in various projects in Lithuania and Latvia. These efforts have already improved access to health care and other essential resources, significantly and positively impacting the lives of many young people. To date, more than 5,000 children have benefited from all initiatives.
In late 2024, the Fenix Charity Fund supported several hospitals in Lithuania and Latvia by supplying them with crucial medical equipment. One of the most important projects was equipping the neonatology center of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos with modern mechanical pulmonary ventilators that are crucial for the survival and reduction of premature babies. According to Arūnas Liubsys, director of the neonatology center, these little patients comprise 75-85% of the NICU population.
Another impactful contribution was the installation of the audiometry booth at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital in Riga. Dr. Janis Sokolovs, head of the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, said the new audiometry booth will allow approximately 2,000 hearing tests annually, significantly reducing waiting time and improving the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems for young patients.
In Lithuania, two hospitals have also received equipment for their neonatal intensive care units.
The Republican Hospital in Šiauliai was equipped with a non-invasive respiratory support device to help newborns and premature babies in critical need. As Vaida Aleksandravičienė, coordinator of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, explained, approximately 1,600 newborns are delivered in the hospital every year, of which approximately 5.5% require intensive care, making the new, updated device crucial in supporting their recovery and shortening treatment times.
By the end of 2024, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos will receive a modern device called Dual Incu i – an incubator that creates optimal conditions for babies’ survival and healthy development. According to Prof. Dr. Rasa Tamelienė, head of the neonatology department, this equipment is crucial, as Kauno Klinikos treats about 500 premature babies every year, of which about 400 require intensive care in the neonatal intensive care unit.
In addition to its healthcare initiatives, the Fenix Charity Fund has also made significant efforts to support children in foster care, SOS villages and children facing crisis situations in Latvia and Lithuania. Faced with difficult and unforeseen circumstances, these children often need help to heal emotionally and psychologically, regain their self-confidence and rebuild a sense of stability and security. The fund has committed itself to creating space for the recovery and development of children. Efforts have also been made to ensure that children are prepared for school, by providing them with the tools and support needed for their education. For those who need extra emotional care, initiatives such as providing special comfort toys or fulfilling Christmas wishes are intended to bring moments of joy and hope. Throughout the year the fund actively worked with individuals, volunteers and various other charitable and non-charitable organizations committed to helping others.
In addition, support went to families affected by a devastating fire in Juodšiliai, Lithuania. Thanks to the Fund’s rapid response, financial support for the necessary supplies was quickly raised to help children and their parents recover and rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment.
Fenix Charity Fund recognizes that this will not be possible without generous help from donors and its key partner Wallettowhich continuously supports its initiatives.
Santa Laizane, the fund’s director, said: “Fenix Charity Fund continues to work with compassion and passion in our minds and hearts to ensure that children in need receive the support they deserve. Every project we undertake is a step towards creating a better and safer future, because children are the future of the world. We are extremely grateful for every donation we have received from caring people, as well as the generous support from our partner Walletto. It is with respect and gratitude that we thank everyone we have worked with this year – whether they are hospitals, SOS villages, other charitable organizations or individuals who tirelessly care about those around them every day. Thank you for staying with us and we look forward to achieving even more together in the years to come.”