More than 600 individual non-food kits were provided to residents of Zaporizhzhia by the team of the project “Providing vital assistance in winterization, provision of basic necessities and shelter for the conflict-affected population in Ukraine”. Each kit contains a mattress, sleeping bag, thermal blanket, power bank, flashlight and thermos.
Among those who received the aid is Ms. Oleksandra from Berdiansk. The woman and her two children left their hometown in April 2023, believing that they would return home in a few weeks.
“We packed in a hurry, took everything we needed for the trip, only personal belongings that fit in my car. I hoped that we would not be in Zaporizhzhia for long. And now it’s been two years since we have been living in the MCC (place of temporary stay – Ed.),” says Ms. Oleksandra.
The woman has already found a job at a bank, but admits that she is constantly short of money.
“It’s hard to set up a life in a new city, you have to start all over again. And when someone lends a helping hand in such a difficult and challenging time, you find the strength to move on. The kits from your foundation contain such high-quality items – and, importantly, they really meet our needs. The children were happy to receive them as if they were gifts for the holidays,” says Ms. Oleksandra gratefully.
She has already found a job at a bank, but admits that she is constantly short of money.
“It’s hard to set up a life in a new city, you have to start all over again. And when someone lends a helping hand in such a difficult and challenging time, you find the strength to move on. The kits from your foundation contain such high-quality items – and, importantly, they really meet our needs. The children were happy to receive them as if they were gifts for the holidays,” says Ms. Oleksandra gratefully.
Mrs. Maria is also happy to receive humanitarian aid from the Foundation. She and her daughter also live in the local ICC, and her two older sons are already students.
“We came from Tokmak. In my hometown, I worked as a veterinarian, and now I have to do various part-time jobs. Unfortunately, I don’t have a permanent job yet, so I’m happy to receive any help. Your flashlights and power banks are exactly what we need right now, as there are constant power cuts in the city. And the new blankets are so nice and warm…” the woman shares her feelings.
Both Oleksandra and Mariia do not lose hope of returning home someday and assure that they will remember this difficult period thanks to the kindness and support of many caring people.
The material was prepared within the framework of the project “Providing vital assistance in winterization, provision of basic necessities and shelter for the conflict-affected population in Ukraine” implemented by Stabilization Support Services in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE with the support of NACHBAR.
