Olvacare International began in 2009 in Kumasi, Ghana, as Supportive Hands Foundation, with a mission to serve poor and marginalised communities and to contribute to building a verdant, lively, and peaceful society in response to both present challenges and future opportunities. The foundation visited prisons, charity homes, and schools, reaching out to less privileged individuals with practical support and compassion.

In 2016, the organization expanded its vision beyond national borders and changed its name to Supportive Hands International, reflecting its growing international outlook. It operated under this name until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped communities worldwide. During this period, the organization provided essential supplies, including food items, hand sanitizers, and face masks, to vulnerable populations.

Through its pandemic response, the organization observed that elderly individuals were disproportionately affected due to age-related immune decline, chronic health conditions, and increased vulnerability to severe infections. At the same time, children, though often experiencing milder symptoms, suffered greatly from disrupted education, social isolation, and, in rare cases, severe inflammatory conditions. Recognizing these realities, the organization made a strategic decision to focus specifically on supporting the elderly and children.

This renewed focus led to the adoption of the name Olvacare International in 2021. The name “Olva” is derived from Ylva—a Scandinavian name meaning “she-wolf”—symbolizes strength, leadership, and nurturing care. Just as the alpha female wolf plays a central role in protecting, guiding, and sustaining the pack, Olvacare represents compassionate leadership and protective care for vulnerable members of society—a “She-Wolf that cares.”

From 2021 to date, Olvacare has been operating under its new identity and was officially registered as a non-profit organization with the Registrar General of Ghana in 2025. Since then, Olvacare International has focused on supporting vulnerable children and elderly individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa by addressing their most pressing needs and promoting sustainable well-being. Through care, resources, and community-based support, the organization protects, empowers, and uplifts those facing hardship—strengthening families, restoring dignity, and building resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.