Do you remember the musical Oliver Twist, with the song: “Who will buy my sweet red roses? Two blooms for a penny”?
Those words defined Lyuba’s childhood. From evening until morning, she walked the busy streets of central Tbilisi, selling flowers that had to be sold that day. Rain, wind, snow, or heat — she repeated the same call:
“Sir, please buy roses for your beautiful lady.”
Lyuba lived in a small basement with her sick mother and four sisters. Sometimes they had no home at all and spent nights in abandoned buildings with other homeless children. Later, they were taken to a shelter by Mkurnali. The famous Georgian writer Akka Morchiladze wrote of them:
“I could write complete horrors here. You wouldn’t sleep at night. Truly, not even for an hour. But I will not, because these boys and girls have no sense of personal tragedy. Perhaps they do — but this is life, teacher.”
Despite her hardships, Lyuba dreamed of a better life for her daughter Christina. At five, Christina discovered trampoline gymnastics and, with the support of friends, mentors, and journalists who shared her story, she joined coach Roza’s team. Christina went on to win every competition — multiple Georgian championships, the World Cup, the Champions Cup, and a bronze medal at the World Championship.
This Mother’s Day, we honour mothers like Lyuba, whose courage and love turn struggle into hope. You can help children and families like hers escape hardship and achieve their dreams. Every contribution gives them a chance of an education, shelter, and a brighter future.
Donate today and make a difference on this Mother’s Day — because every child deserves a chance to bloom.
