At the beginning of April, 600 boxes with basic necessities and treats, as well as 600 boxes with hygiene products and household goods (matches, candles, detergents, etc.) were delivered to Kherson residents. This humanitarian cargo was received by the NGO “Women’s Union of Kherson region” from “Vostok-SOS” Charitable Foundation and “BUNGE Limited” company. In a few days the aid was delivered to those who need it the most and was also distributed from the humanitarian headquarters.
The shortage of food and medications, basic necessities is still felt in Kherson. The occupation and hostilities have destroyed part of the infrastructure, many people don’t have jobs and sources of income. The situation is aggravated by constant shelling. In some areas, locals cannot leave their homes and shelters for days, the situation is especially difficult for the elderly and citizens with reduced mobility.
Volunteers are constantly looking for sources of humanitarian aid and establish communication with charitable foundations, institutions and socially responsible businesses from around the world. They are looking for any opportunities.
It became possible to receive a large humanitarian cargo thanks to the acquaintance that took place last year in Austria at Salzburg Global Seminar. The head of NGO “Women’s Union of Kherson Region” Iryna Nikolayeva ensured the support of “Vostok SOS” Independent Charitable Fund to help citizens of Ukraine. The fund was represented at the seminar by Oksana Kuyantseva, head of humanitarian project management program.
– Thanks to acquaintances at the Salzburg Global Seminar, in particular with “Vostok SOS” foundation, we were able to bring and transfer so necessary aid to the people of Kherson! – says Iryna Nikolayeva. – Against the background of everything that is being done in Kherson and Ukraine thanks to the efforts of volunteers and philanthropists in general, this may seem like a drop in the ocean. But just like that, with small efforts of everyone, we do one big thing for the sake of people’s support and our victory. So even if you only have the means to help your neighbor, please do it.
To hand over the humanitarian boxes, a whole chain of caring citizens and organizations was involved. On April 1, 2023, the NGO “WUKR” received a batch of aid from the BF “Vostok SOS”. On the same day, 200 food and hygiene boxes were handed over to residents of the Skhidniy microdistrict, thanks to Natalya Dergach and Valery Natochii.
On April 3, representatives of the Union delivered 75 packages of two types of humanitarian aid to elderly people and residents of remote areas. 100 packages were given to military families. Another 25 were handed over for the village of Zelenivka with the help of Yulia Geysa. The rest – 200 boxes with food and 200 boxes with hygiene products – were given to residents of the Tavriyskyi microdistrict from the headquarters in “Forelis” store.
Kherson residents who received these packages were impressed by the quality and variety of products and household items. The thanks they conveyed brought tears to the volunteers’ eyes. Of course, in such matters, no one ever asks for feedback, but in difficult situations, they motivate not to give up and continue the work despite everything.
