Alona Hrynenko, a volunteer of the charity organization Volonterska Pivnich (which means “Volunteer North”), is here to share some of her experience.
Support Volonterska Pivnich
БО МБФ ВОЛОНТЕРСЬКА ПІВНІЧ
IBAN Code: UA173052990000026008016810405
Bank: JSC CB “PRIVATBANK”, 1D HRUSHEVSKOHO STR., KYIV, 01001, UKRAINE
Bank SWIFT Code: PBANUA2X
Address: 01001, УКРАЇНА, М. КИЇВ, ВУЛ. ПІВНІЧНА, Б. 32
Suppose you were to introduce yourself to someone unfamiliar with Ukraine and the current situation. How would you describe your identity and the efforts you're involved in to bring awareness to the challenges and realities we're facing?
On February 24, 2022, Ukraine was jolted awake by the thunderous explosions of bombs, the piercing shrieks of rockets, and the ominous rumble of helicopter engines. A full-scale war erupted, engulfing two-thirds of the country. Amidst the chaos, people scrambled in every direction, hastily bundling crying children into cars and clutching their belongings as they fled. Overhead, planes soared, their allegiance unclear in the moment’s chaos. It was a scene of unimaginable horror.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, a remarkable transformation unfolded among those who chose not to flee but to stand their ground and defend their homes. While some took up arms, others assumed the vital task of supporting our frontline defenders. As military battalions formed, a pressing need arose for essentials like food, clothing, and medicine. Another urgent challenge emerged as thousands fled the war-torn regions, seeking refuge in the capital. These displaced souls, bereft of possessions and shelter, streamed into Kyiv in desperate need of assistance.
Compassionate Kyivans stepped forward to lend a helping hand in response to this crisis. Those fortunate enough to be in more stable circumstances rose to the occasion, extending aid in food, supplies, monetary assistance, and makeshift shelters. During this tumultuous period, our volunteer community took its first steps into action. Several neighbors, ordinary high-rise building residents, banded together to aid those in need.
Can you provide an overview of the communities or individuals your organization primarily serves in conflict zones? How do you identify and prioritize their needs?
We’re deeply committed to supporting communities in frontline cities throughout the war. Take, for instance, our ongoing assistance to the residents of Kostyantynivka, where 19 families endure the relentless shelling, often confined to basements for safety, children included. We dispatch essentials like clothing, food, medicine, and toys each month to relieve the chaos.
Similarly, in the village of Dovgenke in Kharkiv Oblast, which bore the brunt of devastation following the Russian withdrawal, we’ve extended a helping hand to its mere 50 inhabitants. Our efforts have included delivering food, clothing, and building materials to aid in reconstructing their shattered homes. We aim to alleviate the hardships of war and contribute to the community’s recovery in any way we can.
Our outreach also extends to Kherson, where we deliver vital supplies and provisions. Whether medical equipment for hospitals or essential goods for residents, we collaborate independently and through trusted local partners and volunteers. Communication is vital in our efforts — we stay connected with communities to understand their needs firsthand. Upon identifying pressing requirements, we promptly mobilize resources and embark on missions to deliver aid where needed most.
We interview Alona Hrynenko, a volunteer of the charity organization Volonterska Pivnich ("Volunteer North")
Many volunteers have unique journeys that lead them to humanitarian work. What inspired you personally to become involved with this organization, and what is its story?
The Volonterska Pivnich volunteer center embarked on its journey in February 2022. We’re all residents of an apartment building in one of Kyiv’s districts, where many have known each other for years. United by a shared sense of purpose, we convened and made a collective decision: we wouldn’t stand idly by while our community suffered. Initially, our ranks consisted of just five individuals, but as word spread, more joined our cause, swelling our numbers.
Support Volonterska Pivnich
БО МБФ ВОЛОНТЕРСЬКА ПІВНІЧ
IBAN Code: UA173052990000026008016810405
Bank: JSC CB “PRIVATBANK”, 1D HRUSHEVSKOHO STR., KYIV, 01001, UKRAINE
Bank SWIFT Code: PBANUA2X
Address: 01001, УКРАЇНА, М. КИЇВ, ВУЛ. ПІВНІЧНА, Б. 32
What are the biggest challenges faced by those living in conflict zones, and how does your organization address or mitigate these challenges?
One of the most daunting fears for those who remain in their homes in frontline areas, for whatever reason, is the dread of being overlooked. These individuals worry that authorities and the broader world will forget about them, leaving them to fend for themselves against the enemy. I still encounter many who struggle to seek assistance. Despite their dire need, pride holds them back from reaching out. Often, these individuals are in the direst circumstances. We strive to proactively anticipate and offer aid to communities, aiming to address urgent needs promptly or provide viable alternatives. There’s nothing more disheartening than promising help to someone in need – only to fail to follow through. Giving false hope can be even more damaging.
Volunteer work often involves emotional highs and lows. Can you describe a particularly challenging moment you've faced while volunteering and how you navigated it?
There were undoubtedly such moments. For our team, that period spanned from autumn 2022 to winter 2023. The initial fervor of the war’s onset had waned, fatigue had set in, and donations had dwindled to nothing. It became clear that the quick victory we had hoped for was not on the horizon, and reports of losses among our friends on the frontlines grew more frequent. We made the difficult decision to end our collaboration with one charity foundation, recognizing a misalignment in our working principles. Faced with this choice, we opted to forge ahead and evolve. Drawing on the lessons learned during that tumultuous first year, we founded our own international charity foundation, Volonterska Pivnich.
What role do local community members play in the projects and initiatives implemented by your organization? Please tell me more about them.
The pivotal role played by our local community cannot be overstated. Their unwavering support sustains us. The involvement is crucial, whether through donations, bringing supplies, or spreading the word among their networks. Their enthusiasm and dedication keep us connected and help us continually expand our reach.
For instance, during the summer of 2023, we arranged a special celebration for children at a Kyiv orphanage. The community generously donated toys and candies for the kids to enjoy. On another occasion, we hosted a Secret Santa event for children who lost their parents in the war. People purchased Christmas presents for these children, and we ensured they received them.
We operate a volunteer center that assists families displaced by the war twice a week. Here, individuals can select clothing, footwear, household items, and toys and receive free groceries and hygiene products. On average, we serve 50-60 people weekly. This center relies on donations from Kyiv residents who generously contribute their belongings to aid those in need.
Our “assistance carts,” placed in select supermarkets, play a crucial role. Anyone can purchase items and donate them by putting them in these carts. They’re consistently filled, indicating widespread awareness of our efforts and strong community support for our initiatives.
We interview Alona Hrynenko, a volunteer of the charity organization Volonterska Pivnich ("Volunteer North")
Volunteerism can be a transformative experience for individuals. Can you share any stories of volunteers whose lives have been significantly changed by their involvement with your organization?
Absolutely! Being part of the foundation has profoundly impacted all of us. We built it from the ground up, starting in the kitchen of a regular apartment with just an old Volvo for transportation. Now, after two years, we have our foundation premises, two trucks, and several foreign sponsors with whom we collaborate regularly. We’ve gained respect and support from fellow volunteers across Ukraine. Volonterska Pivnich has been pivotal in shaping each of our lives.
Could you share a memorable story or experience of someone whose life has been positively impacted by your organization's assistance?
Irina’s journey from Mariupol to Kyiv highlights the vital role of social media in connecting those in need with our assistance. Through Facebook, she discovered our organization and sought support, receiving essentials like food, clothing, and hygiene products. With our help, Irina was able to secure a job and find stable housing. Remarkably, she has since become an active contributor to our projects, underscoring the transformative impact of our support.
Another poignant tale is that of Lyubov and her grandson, who fled Bakhmut amid tragic circumstances. Bereft of her daughter and facing health challenges, Lyubov’s resilience in caring for her grandson amidst the devastation is truly inspiring. We’ve stepped in to provide ongoing assistance, including clothing, food, school supplies, and even a donated laptop to aid in the boy’s education. Our regular visits bring comfort to the family, with each gesture of support met with tears of gratitude from Lyubov, whose resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the human spirit.
We interview Alona Hrynenko, a volunteer of the charity organization Volonterska Pivnich ("Volunteer North")
Support Volonterska Pivnich
БО МБФ ВОЛОНТЕРСЬКА ПІВНІЧ
IBAN Code: UA173052990000026008016810405
Bank: JSC CB “PRIVATBANK”, 1D HRUSHEVSKOHO STR., KYIV, 01001, UKRAINE
Bank SWIFT Code: PBANUA2X
Address: 01001, УКРАЇНА, М. КИЇВ, ВУЛ. ПІВНІЧНА, Б. 32
Many readers may need to become more familiar with the daily struggles individuals in conflict zones face. Can you paint a vivid picture of a typical day in the life of someone your organization has helped from their perspective?
The resilience and unity of the residents of Dovgenke village in the Kharkiv region exemplify the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the devastation wrought by occupation, with nearly half of their homes destroyed and their land rendered inhospitable by shells, these resilient individuals returned determined to rebuild. With only 15 families comprising roughly 50 people, they embarked on the arduous task of reconstruction, rallying together brick by brick.
Every resource, whether nails or bricks, was distributed equally among the community members, reflecting their unwavering commitment to solidarity. Through collective effort, they reconstructed homes, patched roofs, and erected temporary shelters, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of hardship.
Yet, their challenges did not end there. A subsequent invasion of mice posed a new threat. Mice were invading homes searching for food and warmth, gnawing through everything in their path, including galvanized boxes. One household was catching about 500 mice per day. To protect their food, residents had to bury it underground. We assisted by providing pest poison to disinfect several hectares of land around the village.
In solidarity with their struggle, our organization provided crucial assistance in pest control measures, helping disinfect several hectares of land surrounding the village. This act of solidarity underscored our commitment to supporting communities in their journey toward recovery.
Despite enduring dire circumstances, the residents of Dovgenke remain steadfast in their determination to rebuild their lives and community. Their story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, kindness, and unwavering spirit of those who refuse to be defeated by adversity.
In your experience, what aspects of these personal stories tend to resonate most with people outside the conflict zones?
It’s truly remarkable how people step up in times of need. When we reach out for support to purchase rodenticide for families battling mice infestations, many readily offer their help. Why? Because in that moment, they put themselves in the shoes of those struggling, realizing how easily life’s unexpected challenges can disrupt even the most comfortable routines.
For readers who want to support your organization's efforts, how do you convey the tangible impact of their contributions on the lives of those you assist? Can you share a specific example of how donations or volunteer efforts have made a difference?
Amidst the immense challenges facing so many families today, it’s heartbreaking to witness the sudden loss and devastation they endure. The toll of human sacrifice is staggering, and it’s only natural to feel despair in the face of such adversity. Yet, amidst this darkness, our
primary mission is to provide material aid and, crucially, moral support. We aim to instill the unwavering belief that goodness prevails and that compassionate souls will always be ready to lend a helping hand.
Throughout the past two years of war, our volunteer center has welcomed hundreds of families, each one receiving the reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles and that caring individuals are ready to stand by their side through thick and thin.
We interview Alona Hrynenko, a volunteer of the charity organization Volonterska Pivnich ("Volunteer North")
What would you say to someone from another country wondering why they should donate to help people in conflict zones like yours?
The example set by our nation underscores a crucial truth: tomorrow is never certain. We must actively engage in this process to eradicate evil and foster good deeds worldwide. With absolute certainty, sacrificing a cup of coffee each day for a noble cause, donating, or simply providing bread to someone in need yields far more significant personal benefits and fulfillment than any worldly pleasure. Volunteering may require time, but once you embark on the journey of doing good, you’ll find it impossible to resist continuing. I guarantee it!
Support Volonterska Pivnich
БО МБФ ВОЛОНТЕРСЬКА ПІВНІЧ
IBAN Code: UA173052990000026008016810405
Bank: JSC CB “PRIVATBANK”, 1D HRUSHEVSKOHO STR., KYIV, 01001, UKRAINE
Bank SWIFT Code: PBANUA2X
Address: 01001, УКРАЇНА, М. КИЇВ, ВУЛ. ПІВНІЧНА, Б. 32
Besides giving money, what other ways can people worldwide support your work?
As mentioned earlier, we’re fortunate to have longstanding support from several foreign sponsors. Notably a volunteer community in Münster-Sarmsheim, Germany, led by our friend Ruth and our Italian partner Stefano. Each month, we travel to Europe to receive humanitarian aid from these communities, including clothing, food, hygiene products, medical supplies, and household items. This assistance is entirely voluntary, collected, and donated by compassionate individuals. We coordinate its distribution and provide feedback on the impact. Some contribute with canned goods, others purchase cereals, diapers for children, or even chocolate. It’s the collective effort that yields extraordinary results.
Communities worldwide can replicate this collaboration model. Ultimately, our central message to the world is simple: never take the blessings you have for granted. Maintain kindness and empathy, recognizing that those affected by war today are not at fault; they simply had less fortune this time. Everything is transient and relative in life, but what truly matters is preserving our humanity.
