TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE by Sherry Remez Published in Maui Weekly on September 18, 2003 See front page photo See the article snapshot Kirill Bogouslavski saw a sight in Russia that changed his life and set him off in a new direction. Here's a heart-warming story of what a Kihei resident is doing to help children in turmoil.

Temperatures may remain in the 80's for the next few months in Kihei, Maui, but in St. Petersburg, Russia winter is about to begin. Its onset is of concern for Kihei resident, Kirill Bogouslavski, founder and president of Ascent Russian Orphan Aid Fund, a non-profit charity dedicated to helping Russian children.

"Kira", as he is called here, knows that the severe cold (average temperature from December to February is 9 degrees) will bring even more hardship to the more than 4 million orphans and homeless children living on the streets of Russia. Social changes have thrown many Russian children out on the streets-hundreds of them huddle in underground sewers, desperately in need of food and clothing. The lucky ones live in orphanages.

Unfortunately, many orphanages are dysfunctional. Most Russian orphanages and shelters receive only promises of support from the government. Due to lack of sufficient funds, many have no hot water, and in some cases no showers nor furniture nor clothing. Russian orphanages are, for the most part, subsidized by donations from dedicated individuals who also volunteer their time and expertise. They are making a difference, though their task is daunting.

About 15,000 sixteen to eighteen year-olds leave Russian orphanages each year. Of these, 5,000 are unemployed, some 6,000 are homeless, around 3,000 resort to crime, approximately 1,500 commit suicide. Roughly, half the girls are forced into prostitution. Currently, only one out of ten Russian orphans becomes a functional member of society. The others are lost to drugs, crime and suicide. The plight of Russian children is not well known to the world community. It is Kira's mission to see that it does.

At the age of 12, Kira became involved with a youth program that was helping orphans in his native Russia. The experience changed his life. Two years later, he became a volunteer with an humanitarian expedition working with homeless children with psychological problems, taking them out into nature to complete a pathway connecting the nations of Armenia and Georgia in the Caucasus Mountains. The interaction between the children and the outdoor environment proved beneficial to their process of healing and their ability to re-enter society.

Kira recalls, "I saw these fifty troubled children ages ten to fourteen come together and build friendships, learn integrity and self- reliance, support each other and develop social and survival skills that would become the most important tools in their lives. Ever since then, in one way or the other, I have been involved with Russian orphanages".

Six years ago, at age 25, Kirill came to Ohio to study, earning an MBA in Finance and Investment Management, attending Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University. He had already earned a Masters degree in Computer and Information Science from Far-Eastern State University in his native Vladivostok, Russia. He is President of Kira Solutions, a technology consulting firm specializing in investment systems and data analysis.

"It was hard to earn a living in the United States, but as soon as I could get on my feet, I wanted to start to help." His service to Russian orphans includes helping an American friend with the adoption of a Russian orphan boy who now goes to school in Columbus, Ohio; facilitating the delivery of money to, and buying basic necessities for, the Vladivostok Orphanage for Infants; donating money to support Rescuer's School.

On a trip to Russia last May, Kirill was moved by the dedicated, educated and talented people he met who "really cared". He saw that, "all they needed to implement their skills was money. Throughout the years, I have continued looking for ways to help orphans. This search has led me to the idea of establishing a non-profit charity with the hope to reach out to the rest of the world".

At the end of May, Kirill moved to Maui, taking residence in Kihei, where he plans to live off his savings for a while, so he can devote himself full-time to his cause. This year, he registered the Ascent Russian Orphan Aid Fund as a 501(c)(3), a not-for-profit charity. Because operating expenses are low, as much as 100% of tax-deductible donations will reach the orphanages listed on its web site: www.iOrphan.org. "On our web site, you can choose where your money goes and you will receive reporting of all details of the progress of the projects you are sponsoring", Kira explains. Information about Russian orphans and the orphanages receiving support can also be found on the web site. Volunteer opportunities are listed there.

There is depth of emotion when Kira's says: "I feel that I have been chosen for this mission in life. Nothing has ever felt more fulfilling. I am happy to have been given this chance and the opportunity to serve. I am just a tool in God's hands and my vision is to help those in need. Helping orphans is now my life and mission".