In 2024, the Wounded Warrior Support Foundation (WWSF) achieved an unprecedented milestone by spending 1,612,000 GEL on health, education, and adaptation initiatives of beneficiaries. Established in 2018 by Silknet, the foundation has been dedicated to supporting wounded military servicemen and women, veterans, and their underage children and spouses.
Silknet annually contributes 300,000 GEL to the foundation but made a donation of 781,000 GEL in 2024. Contributions from other companies and individuals amounted to 316,000 GEL. Additionally, WWSF partnered with the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, with their joint co-financing reaching approximately 1,070,000 GEL. Thus, in total the WWSF spent 1 612 000 GEL through Silknet, other contributors and the Minisry of Defense.
With this funding, WWSF provided vital support to 110 wounded warriors, their spouses, and underage children. The foundation's 2024 expenditures included:
17 cases of 50% co-financing with the Ministry of Defense - 533 571 GEL
9 cases of Surgeries - 187 771 GEL
10 cases of provisioning with medications - 40 004 GEL
16 cases of supporting underage children (mostly medical treatments) - 30 522 GEL
14 cases of Supporting spouses - 26 044 GEL
27 cases of medical service & research - 192 132 GEL
9 cases of adaptation, prosthesis, etc. - 19 202 GEL
5 cases of learning courses - 7 126 GEL
4 cases of rehabilitation courses - 38 349 GEL
2024 also marked significant growth in the foundation's supporter base, with both traditional and new donors contributing. There are also traditional donors, who make contribution on periodic bases (WWSF donors).
Among the year's standout initiatives was the charity campaign by media holding “Palitra,” which sold books under the slogan “Pay as much as you want,” with all proceeds donated to WWSF.
The British Embassy continued its collaboration with WWSF, funding English language courses for the underage children of wounded servicemen. This initiative, now in its second year, will extend into 2025.
The opening ceremony of Wounded Warriors Week was attended by General Director of WWSF and Silknet David Mamulaishvili, who highlighted the unprecedented results of the foundation’s cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. He also announced ambitious plans for future support to wounded military personnel.
The Tbilisi Defence Attaché Association (TDAA) organized its annual charity run for Georgian wounded warriors, with preparation led by the military attachés of Lithuania, the US, and the UK, in collaboration with WWSF and the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. This year’s event expanded significantly, becoming a cherished tradition. Participants included Georgian Defense Forces personnel, wounded servicemen, volunteers, diplomats, and their families.
The charity run was participated by military servicemen of Georgian Defence Forces and wounded servicemen, Defence Volunteer Organizations and Georgian Diplomatic Community participate as well as their friends and family members.
„This charity run became the annual one, and military attachés of our friendly countries take part along with the Ministry of Defence of Georgia and other military personnel. This continuous support from the US, UK, and European countries is highly appreciated. They thus declare deep respect towards our wounded warriors. There can be nothing more important than to remember and pay respect to our heroes.”, - said George Ramishvili, Chairman of WWSF and Chairman of Silknet’s Supervisory Board.
General director of WWSF, David Mamulaishvili: „This initiative from military attaches became the annual one for supporting wounded warriors and their effort in it is priceless. The most important in this activity is their willingness to stand by. I’d like to extend special thanks to the embassy of US, Lithuania and UK for all the efforts they made for this event to happen. We’ve always been doing our best to learn from the rich experience in caring for wounded warriors existing in the western countries. This will enable us to create the environment for our wounded military servicemen and veterans where they will feel a very special attitude, care and support from the society every day. Once again, let me thank every single participant of this charity run, as well as the Ministry of Defense of Georgia and express my deep respect towards our warriors.”
WWSF continues its collaboration with the British international charity fund Invictus Games Fondation (IGF), securing a second grant to purchase archery equipment for Georgia’s wounded warrior team. In 2023, WWSF acquired 12 specialized basketball chairs for the team, enabling their active participation in Invictus Games competitions worldwide. Cooperation with the world renown international charity fund is another important milestone for WWSF, as it speaks of the trustworthy reputation of the fund.
The year 2024 was a remarkable one for the WWSF. The foundation thanks all the contributors and supporters for outstanding results in 2024 and looks ahead into 2025 with even more motivation to work for the well-being of Georgia’s brave wounded warriors, who fought for the independence and territorial integrity of Georgia.
Let us unite for our heroes!