When the idea to create the charity foundation ‘Action and Trust’ was born?
It was in May 2022 when I realised if I receive help from abroad in terms of some amount of money for delivery, then this is a big responsibility. It was important everything was transparent and official. Unfortunately, we all know how much speculation there is about humanitarian aid. Many people abroad weren’t comfortable sending in the money or the aid because many cars were not taking it to the arranged destination.
I understand that if I want to help, people [who donate] have all the right to know where it is going. I have to report where their money, time and energy are going.
What happened to the foundation’s Instagram page? Are you planning to restore it if possible, or create a new one?
We will create a new one. The old page was very good. We published important information, reports, and videos there. But, unfortunately, Instagram does not accept publications about the war, especially information about Putin and his activities.
Instagram blocked us because there were many comments from Russia. What I think happened is that people from Russia sent complaints about us, which caused Instagram to block our page.
Did this happen after one particular post, or was it a cumulative effect?
I think it was a cumulative effect. Many people, including my acquaintances, remained in the occupied [by Russia] territory, and they, unfortunately, support the aggressor’s [Russia’s] regime. There are people even from my close circle who wish us harm and keep doing small sabotage acts.
I think we were simply blocked due to the amount complaints. We did not post anything showing acts of aggression or, in any case, use offensive language. We just posted videos about Ukraine to show people abroad what is really happening. With the message that these are the realities of our lives. Unfortunately, some people didn’t like it.
How is your volunteer activity organised now? How do you receive requests and collect donations?
I don’t organise large fundraisings. My friends like people living abroad help the most. I cover deliveries and transportation. I always stress that they should help with items, food, pet food, etc. I already have contacts of volunteers especially in the Donetsk Oblast. I direct all the help to them based on their requests. Then they directly deliver it to those who need it. They make photo reports, which I publish on my Instagram profile.
There are also requests from internally displaced persons (IDPs). I ask them to send an official note confirming their status. Many people even send me photos and videos of their destroyed homes. I realize these are real people with real stories. Only thanks to the people around me, I can organise help for IDPs too.
During your volunteer work, have there been any unusual or special requests?
I was often asked for laptops for children. Also, there were situations where some people would call at midnight or six in the morning, asking why their help hasn’t been sent yet. I think it all depends on the person. We are all different, and I don’t find it outrageous. I don’t take it personally. Right now, there are no special requests. I work with people who lost everything. They are grateful even for the minimal help.
Do you personally visit the families you help?
Unfortunately, no. I do this remotely, sending aid by mail to different parts of the country. We do talk and stay in touch online. Very often, they write to me, congratulating me on holidays or sending little gifts and drawings from their children. And that is very nice.
For example, there was a case a year ago when we helped a woman by sending her a nice pair of boots. The woman is still wearing them and she sends me photos after a year. She writes she is sitting in Donetsk Oblast with no heating wearing them but she is so sincerely grateful to me for this small help. But this all is possible only thanks to the people who support my initiative. I am just a guide.
Why do you think people have such trust in you?
They probably feel that I just love people. I used to work with children a lot and they also have a special sense of care. Right now, each of us needs support and the chance to be able to care for each other. Sometimes I just ask people how they are doing. Sometimes I send gifts to children or families without asking for reports. And they are grateful. I just think these are normal human relationships.
Is anyone else involved in the charity work apart from you?
My husband helps me with packaging, uploading and transportation. My close friends also help. One of my friends, who is abroad, organises some help from there. It’s quite difficult to do this because there are problems at the borders. People who’ve been in my shoes also help. There was a lot of help from people from Donetsk Oblast. These are people who have known the war for 9 years. They know what it’s like to lose everything.
Is it hard for you to do volunteer work?
No, it’s not difficult. It’s already part of my life. It can be emotionally difficult when you work with people and when you talk with them. Everyone has their own story and their pain. Sometimes it’s hard to fall asleep after talking with people because you realise how much horror and pain they are living through now.
There is one lonely man who lives in an outhouse. He hasn’t even had a washbasin there. He doesn’t have a passport, so he can’t even receive his pension. His relatives just abandoned him. Me and the people joined forces and bought everything he needed. Gradually, people started sending him bedding, food, etc., through me. The man just blossomed like a flower. His eyes lit up.
Another case was a lady, about 90 years old. She was in occupation in the village Tetianivka in Donetsk Oblast. She was left alone, but thanks to people and constant support, she continues her life and she stays positive.
One more case was in Donetsk where we found a disabled lady almost unable to move. Her children just left her. They left her some water and dry snacks and they left. Gradually, we started involving people who would send her medicine and food. She started feeling needed by someone.
Recently, an evacuated woman from Avdiivka got Puma sneakers and a fur coat. She called me, crying and said she had never had gifts like that.
It seemed that people just gave up some things and helped as they could, but it was so important for someone.
There are so many examples. There are so many reasons why I continue to volunteer. Probably, it’s because humanity and a conscious society are made up of small things like that.
Do you feel any satisfaction when you volunteer? Or does helping people maybe make you happy?
Yes, I truly get satisfaction. It’s my therapy in the current reality amidst the news and the difficult situations around us. We live in constant stress. And when something negatively affects me, I go pack and send some aid. This is my way to switch off from everything and just shift my focus. It helps me stay strong and move forward, living in our country and hoping for the best.
Do you have a great dream to reach in volunteering?
Yes. I wanted it even before the war. I dreamt of opening a support centre for people in need. I would like it to be a children’s centre because I love children. I want everyone to have the opportunity to have access to curriculums, get ready for school and do sports.
And I want it to be completely free for those families who need it.
On your Instagram page, you have a post with the caption, “There’s no need to do great things. You can do small things but with great love.” So, what small things do you think every Ukrainian can do now?
I’ll give you examples from my life. My neighbours help every time. Someone bought food, the other donated some nice clothes, and another one paid for delivery. This is how it all starts. It’s like the butterfly effect. The butterfly flaps its wings and a tsunami happens in the other part of the world. Everything is interconnected. I believe it all starts with small steps. Now, we are all volunteers. All Ukrainians are helping and donating.
How many families have you helped during this time?
It’s been at least 8,000 families. I am relying on the accounting of expenses and everything else. But, considering the packages we handed in in person, I think the number is higher.
Can you say that you as a volunteer drive a sense of love? Or is there any other feelings that drive you?
I think it’s not just a sense of love. This feeling is formed of both positive and negative aspects. The negative ones are the ones happening now. It’s my path over the past nine years. Me and my family and all Ukrainians, we’ve been through so much pain.
On the positive side, it’s definitely love for my country and for my people. I am proud to have been born, brought up and lived till this very moment in Ukraine. And also, above all, it’s simply a love for life. I am just grateful for being here and being able to help.
Translator: Anna Konovalenko
Read more: Evelina Slyvynska talks on how she twice lost her home and started volunteering.
