Kyiv hosted the annual “Ball of Good Deeds 2025” — an event that brought together military personnel, former prisoners of war, volunteers, philanthropists, representatives of charities, NGOs, educators, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, participants of seventeen Forums of Good Deeds, and partners of the Golda Meir Institute for the Development of Civil Society.
According to the Institute’s Director Tetiana Hraban, the Ball of Good Deeds is not about politics but about people — and for people. The event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue among those whose actions change the country for the better and inspire others to join the movement. A special place in this community belongs to defenders of Ukraine, volunteers, benefactors, civic leaders, and socially responsible businesses.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Sign of Respect” — a non-governmental award launched in 2021. It honors individuals who exemplify humanity, responsibility, and meaningful contributions to volunteer work. What sets this award apart is that nominees are selected by volunteers themselves through a secret vote during the Forum of Good Deeds. It is among the top 10 non-governmental volunteer awards in Ukraine.
Among the ambassadors and honorees of the “Sign of Respect” are Anatolii Hnatiuk, People’s Artist of Ukraine; Maryna Kinakh, Merited Journalist of Ukraine; Nina Lemesh, First Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Regional Council; Liokadiia Herasymenko, Head of the Union of Women of Ukraine; and Haide Rizaieva, volunteer and former prisoner of war — as well as many others who have made good deeds their life’s mission.
