Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Public Figure of the Year Bohdan Kurus
Bohdan Kurus is an animal volunteer from the Bilozerska community. He has been helping animals since childhood, and now he dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
With the start of the full-scale invasion, helping animals became his life's work. It was then that Bohdan, along with like-minded people and his mentor, Larysa Tykhonova, began his mission. At first, it was ordinary volunteer work—collecting humanitarian aid, medicine, and food for animals, and setting up temporary shelters. But over time, this joint activity grew into something more. In February 2025, Bohdan became the founder and head of the public organization "Bilozersk Animals." They now care for over 200 animals—sick, old, those living in shelters, and those left on the streets but not without care.
One of the most significant achievements of Bohdan and his team is the free animal sterilization campaigns in the Bilozerska community, organized in partnership with the HappyPaw Foundation. For two years, Bohdan coordinated fundraising, public outreach, and logistics. This is not just a humane approach to population control, but a comprehensive preventative measure against the problem of stray animals, which improves the quality of life for the entire community.
An important part of his work has been collaborating with charitable foundations and organizations, including UFA/United for Animals, the largest charitable foundation UAnimals, and the "12 Vartovykh" foundation, which have become the closest friends of "Bilozersk Animals." Together, they support a vet mission in the Donetsk region, cooperating with the volunteer vet team "Dostupna Sterylizatsiia," and help animals in the most difficult conditions.
One of the most challenging stories was the rescue of a donkey named Richard from abusive owners. Richard had numerous wounds, and the "Bilozersk Animals" team did everything possible to take him and transport him to a safe territory, where he received treatment and a chance at a new life.
Bohdan's work not only saves animals but also changes the community's attitude toward stray animals, fostering humanity and responsibility. Bohdan's example inspires others to get involved in volunteering, showing that even in the most difficult conditions, you can do good and change the world around you.
The support of sponsors from Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic confirms international trust in the work of "Bilozersk Animals" and opens up new opportunities for development.
Bohdan Kurus is not just an animal volunteer; he is a leader of a public initiative, a person whose actions prove that the strength of a community lies in humanity, support, and joint work.