Savinski Hospital for Crippled Children

The Savinski Hospital for Crippled Children is home for 225 children, about 30% of whom are orphans. Located a few kilometers outside the city limits in Savino district, they are far enough away that they are easily forgotten by the general public. Such is the way human disabilities are treated in Russia. In fact most of the population in Yoshkar-Ola is not aware of its existence and we became aware of it only through a friend who has a neighbor with a daughter there. The extent of disables range from completely bed ridden to ambulatory. They have aTherapeutic Equestrian Program offering horseback riding for children with disabilities. The program uses physical, speech and occupational therapies while the children ride. The current instructor is a young woman who formally was a resident there for most of her life. She went on to college and has returned to teach. Three years ago construction was begun on a major addition to alleviate the over crowding. Half the money was provided by the Federal Government with the balance to come from Republic of Mari-El funds. Most of the work you see in the following photos was done in the first six months with the federal funds, but the project is languishing as money from the local government is slow coming. They have no idea how much longer it will take to complete the building.

click photos to enlarge

You may make donations using your Credit Card, ATM Card or Checking Account

You may mail contributions.

Please make checks payable to Orphans of Mari-El Fund

Orphans of Mari-El Fund
1652 North Main St., Palmer, MA 01069-1013
Phone 413 668-2048
e-mail information@orphansofmari-el.org

Goal $6,000