The Kyiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry has awarded its highest honor for foreign nationals to Michael Hutchison, Co-Founder and CEO of inGroup International, recognizing his significant personal contributions to charitable initiatives and sustained cooperation with the Chamber during one of Ukraine's most challenging periods. The award specifically acknowledges Hutchison's unwavering support for Ukraine, Ukrainian inCruises Partners and Members, and the charitable foundation Stand with Ukraine, established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine.
The foundation provides critical psychological and physical rehabilitation services for children affected by the ongoing war, with Hutchison's assistance having directly helped more than 800 Ukrainian children who have been deeply affected by the conflict. These children are typically evacuated from frontline regions or returned from occupied territories, with many having lost their homes, their sense of safety, and, in some cases, one or both parents. The recognition highlights the importance of sustained international support for humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, particularly for vulnerable populations like children who face long-term psychological trauma.
"On behalf of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the leadership of the Stand with Ukraine Charitable Foundation, and our friends in Ukraine, we would like to thank Michael for his continued support and humanitarian efforts over the last few years," said Valeriy Korol, Vice President for International Relations of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "His assistance has directly helped more than 800 Ukrainian children who have been deeply affected by the war. Together with the families of these children, we recognize Michael's civic commitment and the humanist principles he upholds."
Beyond financial support, Hutchison has traveled twice to Ukraine to visit the children's rehabilitation camp, where he spent meaningful time with the children participating in therapeutic activities and workshops, engaging in creative and recreational programs, and sharing moments of connection designed to foster healing, hope, and resilience. This personal involvement demonstrates a model of corporate leadership that extends beyond financial contributions to include direct engagement with humanitarian causes.
"Receiving this honor from the Kyiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry is humbling and meaningful," expressed Michael Hutchison. "The courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, especially the children who have endured so much, continue to inspire me every day. I'm grateful for the opportunity to support the Stand with Ukraine foundation and work alongside so many dedicated individuals helping restore hope, healing, and a sense of possibility for these children."
The award comes as inGroup International continues its corporate social responsibility initiatives, with inCruises, a division of the company and the world's largest subscription-based travel club, actively supporting Mercy Ships and other humanitarian efforts. The company's platform, available at https://inCruises.com, operates in 17 languages and has booked more than 600,000 guests since launching in 2016. This recognition underscores the growing expectation for corporate leaders to engage meaningfully with global humanitarian crises, setting a precedent for how business leaders can leverage their resources and influence to support vulnerable populations during times of conflict.
