Renowned Canadian Photographer Madison Tuff Captures the Heroism of CF “East SOS” Evacuation Missions 

For the past four months, the active phase of evacuations from the Pokrovsk direction has been underway. In that time, the dedicated crews of the Charitable Foundation “East SOS” have rescued more than 700 people, many of whom are elderly or living with disabilities, making their escape especially challenging.

Every rescue mission tells a story etched into memory. Thanks to the bravery of journalists and photographers, these moments are documented and shared with the world, showcasing the tireless efforts of teams working under fire to save lives. Recently, one such mission was joined by Madison Tuff, a celebrated Canadian photographer who has been a steadfast presence on the frontlines of Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Tuff has participated in over 20 missions across Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Sumy Oblasts.

During this particular operation, Eduard Skoryk and Roman Buhaiov of “East SOS” evacuated three residents from Donetsk Oblast: two women, aged 83 and 65, who are unable to walk, and a 71-year-old man paralyzed and unable to speak.

“As I keep coming back to Donetsk Oblast, it starts to feel like a second home,” Tuff shared. “Every evacuation feels deeply personal, like helping my own family. These experiences, this team, and the people we assist have stories that deserve to be told.”

In early 2024, Tuff premiered a short documentary chronicling a day in the life of Vlad Poianskyi, a member of the Foundation’s evacuation team. Her commitment to capturing the human impact of the war has been widely recognized – her photograph highlighting the work of CF “East SOS” recently won a USAID competition and was featured in the Chronicles of Evacuation exhibition.

The “East SOS” team extends its profound gratitude to Madison Tuff for her courage, support, and unwavering dedication. Together, we continue to bring hope and aid to those who need it most.