Arson Attack at “Tavi draugi” Charity Base; Organization Continues Its Work

During the night of 19 July, the premises of the charity organization “Tavi draugi”, located at 23 Lapeņu Street, Riga, were broken into and deliberately set on fire. As a result, the organization’s office, warehouse, and logistics center sustained severe damage. Despite the incident, “Tavi draugi” continues its work and support for people in Latvia, as well as Ukrainian civilians and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

A criminal investigation is currently underway, and the organization is cooperating with the relevant authorities. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire. The blaze destroyed approximately 250 square metres, while the entire 1,000-square-metre rented building suffered damage. The full extent of the losses is still being assessed, but it is already clear that donations intended for people in Latvia, Ukrainian civilians, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been destroyed.

Despite the attack, “Tavi draugi” continues all of its key activities, including accepting and sorting donations, delivering humanitarian aid to Ukrainian civilians and the Armed Forces, distributing food parcels three times a week to vulnerable Ukrainian civilians and people in need in Latvia, operating its vehicle department (transporting donated and confiscated vehicles to Ukraine free of charge), organizing camouflage net weaving workshops across Latvia, implementing civilian infrastructure reconstruction projects in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine, and carrying out many other charitable initiatives.

The organization’s Charity Shop at 32 Gertrūdes Street, Riga, and its concept store “Spogulis” at 23 Gertrūdes Street also remain open. Donations are still being accepted at the organization’s base at 23 Lapeņu Street, where a donation container has been placed.

Ulvis Noviks, Head of “Tavi draugi”:

“The fire was caused by deliberate arson. Surveillance camera footage has been handed over to the responsible authorities, who are investigating the motives of those responsible. ‘Tavi draugi’ has not stopped its work, and we continue to support people in need in Latvia, as well as Ukrainian civilians and the Armed Forces. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already supported us in maintaining our operations, and we ask for your continued help and involvement so that our work can continue.”

How can you help right now?

• Financial support to help restore the premises and ensure the continuation of the organization’s work. Donations can be made to bank account LV21HABA0551046111790 or by calling the “Tavi draugi” donation hotline at +371 90006865 (call charge: €4.27).
• In-kind donations needed for recovery after the fire, as well as regular material donations. Updated information on current needs is available through the organization’s official information channels and will be updated regularly.
• Volunteer support, which will be organized from next week by prior registration only. The volunteer registration form will be available through the organization’s official channels.

The latest information on how to support “Tavi draugi” and its charitable projects will be published regularly on the organization’s website and social media channels.