I am the author of the Goodacity blog, a journalist, and a translator. For 16 years, I have worked in professional journalism, contributing to regional and national publications, both in print and online media. I have written reports, conducted interviews, reviews, articles on cultural, social, and charitable topics, as well as materials in the style of "solution journalism" and communication materials.
My focus is on creating interesting and exclusive content. Journalism, to me, is primarily about human stories, to which I always find the key, empathize with the people I write about, and love all my heroes. Journalism, to me, means telling people about what truly matters to them, informing and inspiring them. It is not just a job, but a way of life, just like for all those who dream, create, and are inspired by it.
So, if you are looking for stories that inspire and motivate, that instill faith and help find meaning while believing in goodness, read my stories on the Goodacity website.
I am a manager of cultural affairs and a project manager with over 14 years of experience at United Thinkers. I have participated in the organization of numerous successful social and charitable projects and have implemented informational campaigns and communication cases.
As a marketing manager, I have been involved in organizing marketing and sociological research, working with media and partners, developing advertising and marketing strategies, as well as planning and implementing advertising campaigns.
I believe in the power of goodness and I am happy that as part of the Goodacity project, I can contribute to its expansion. I believe in the power of words and in the fact that communication can help make the world a better place. I know how, where and when to speak in order to be heard. And when you are heard, you can change the world!
United People and Raised 10 Million for the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
“If I know I can help, why should I sit idle — even if I’m in a wheelchair? If it weren’t for this chair, I’d be on the front lines. But as it is… I’ll do everything I can and then some!”
And he does. The unbreakable volunteer, Ivan Dzerdzh, has united people and raised over 10 million hryvnias for the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
“Ten million — well, sure, that sounds impressive,” Ivan says with a modest smile. “But make sure you write that it wasn’t just me who raised it. People donated, they helped. That’s just the kind of amazing people we have!”
From the very first days of the war, his home transformed into a volunteer hub. Ivan, despite being in a wheelchair, personally makes trench candles, coordinates fundraising efforts, searches for and purchases vital supplies for soldiers, and makes daily trips to the post office to send packages to the front lines.
His phone never stops ringing, day or night: soldiers, fellow volunteers, donors. Every call is an opportunity to save a life.
“There was a time when my own life was hanging by a thread,” Ivan reflects. “That’s why I’ll do everything in my power to help save as many lives as possible — our defenders’ lives.”
Through determination and an unyielding spirit, Ivan has become a symbol of resilience, showing that no obstacle is too great when it comes to making a difference.
"Life Can Change in an Instant"
The story of Ivan Dzerdzh, an unbreakable volunteer from Ternopil region, Ukraine, is more than a tale of service. It’s a lesson in transforming personal tragedy into a force that uplifts others.
Fate often tests us in the most unexpected ways. Nineteen years ago, one moment split Ivan’s life into “before” and “after.”
“I was 16 when I got into a motorcycle accident and fractured my cervical spine,” Ivan recalls. “I was finishing 11th grade, with so many plans, dreams, and hopes ahead. I wanted to become a police officer — I’ve always been the kind of person who fights for justice. I was just days away from my exams… One moment wiped out everything. I didn’t even make it to my final test. But one thing was clear — I wasn’t going to give up!”
Even in the first moments after the accident, lying under the motorcycle and realizing he couldn’t feel his legs, Ivan didn’t lose heart. But ahead lay immense pain, trials, and challenges.
“When I first understood I would never walk again, it felt like the world had stopped,” Ivan remembers. “But then I realized: if I can’t walk with my legs, I’ll walk with my heart.”
And he did. His journey began by overcoming fear, pain, and despair. He learned to drive a car with hand controls, mastered an adapted bicycle, and turned each new day into a small victory over circumstances.
“It was hard. There was so much pain. My path to recovery was anything but easy. But not once did I think of giving up. Today, I exercise on parallel bars, cycle dozens of kilometers on a specially adapted bike — it’s my way to recharge both body and soul”.
“One day, I set myself a goal and biked over 50 kilometers! Nothing is impossible — you just have to face every challenge head-on.
Life didn’t stop; my dreams didn’t disappear. In fact, after the injury, I gained so many new ones! I dream of skydiving, climbing Hoverla, and I believe — deeply believe — that I will walk again someday.
Besides working on myself every day,” Ivan adds, “I decided I wanted to do something for others. Something good, something inspiring, something that leaves a lasting impact.”
Through resilience and unwavering hope, Ivan has shown that no matter how life changes in an instant, it’s possible to transform adversity into an unstoppable drive to help and inspire others.
The Unbreakable Volunteer: 'Don’t Ask If You Can Do Something. Ask How You Can Do It.'
In his hometown of Vozyliv in the Ternopil region of Ukraine, Ivan Dzerdzh first made his mark through small yet impactful acts of kindness. Villagers still recall how, despite all odds, he helped build a playground for local children. Thanks to his initiative, tourist signs were erected, and the “I Love Vozyliv” monument became a symbol of his tireless energy and love for his community.
But everything changed with Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“When I saw our men stepping up to defend the country, I knew I couldn’t stand by!” Ivan shares. “I could have left — but the thought never even crossed my mind. Instead, from day one, I rallied like-minded people around me, and the work began.”
With the village elder, Halyna Fetsysh, whose son volunteered early on and tragically lost his life, and fellow volunteer Oksana Bubniv, who collects medicine, clothing, and food, Ivan coordinated efforts to support the military. Together with Roman Babala, a native of Vozyliv now living in England, Ivan spearheaded fundraising for equipment like body armor, thermal imaging scopes, and vehicles.
Over the two years of war, their efforts have channeled over 10 million hryvnias in aid to the front lines. This includes nearly a dozen vehicles for evacuating the wounded, close to a hundred drones for reconnaissance, thermal imaging devices to detect enemies at night, and generators to bring light to trenches.
“You know what amazes me the most?” Ivan says with a smile. “When I announce a fundraiser in the village, people respond immediately. Sometimes, within a day, we’ve raised enough for a vehicle or electronic warfare equipment. It’s not just money — it’s people’s trust and their belief in victory.”
One of the most significant and emotional campaigns was raising 500,000 hryvnias for FPV drones dedicated to fallen soldiers from Buchach. Nearly thirty “birds,” each inscribed in honor of a hero, were recently delivered to various military units.
“Every thank-you from the soldiers feels like gaining a new heart,” Ivan admits. “Seeing photos from the front lines where the equipment we helped supply is saving lives reminds me that my life has meaning.”
“It breaks my heart to think of all our defenders, and I want to help every single one of them. I know the pain of loss personally — among my relatives currently fighting for Ukraine, two have been killed, and one is missing. One of them was a close friend, a neighbor I grew up with, playing soccer together.
When I was recovering from my injury, he would push my wheelchair around the village. The memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine, of their sacrifices, is what keeps me going even when I feel I have no strength left.”
“Don’t ask yourself if you can do something,” Ivan urges. “Ask yourself how you can do it. While our defenders hold the front lines, there’s no room for indifference in the rear. Every donation, every good deed is a brick in the wall of our shared victory.”
Ivan Dzerdzh’s story is a reminder to all of us: true strength lies in the ability to meet others’ needs with an open heart.
Often, the greatest heroes are not those who can do the most but those who do everything they can with what they have.
“It’s just how I’m wired,” Ivan says. “When I set my mind to something, I won’t rest until it’s done.
And even after our victory, there will be plenty of new volunteer projects — there’s work for everyone to do!”
