Zeitraum: [March 2024 – April 2024]
Our trip to Ukraine in April 2024
In April 2024, we once again sent a transport of humanitarian aid supplies on its way - all thanks to the tireless support of our network and our partner companies. This time, our ReBuild team set off for Ukraine not only to deliver the urgently needed relief supplies, but also to look the local people in the eye and listen to their stories.
In our bags we had durable food, medicine, wound care materials and hygiene products - things that are invaluable for many people in these difficult times. In the midst of the challenges posed by the Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and electricity supplies, our aim is to ensure basic supplies for the population - especially with a view to the coming winter.
That is why we were also focused on supplying high-quality, high-performance solar generators and other materials such as solar flashlights, batteries and tools. These devices are essential, especially when darkness threatens due to large-scale power failures.
Gift bags for female soldiers medics with Selenacare
A very special thanks goes to the company Selenacare: thanks to a generous discount on period products, we were able to purchase a large quantity of sustainable and reusable menstrual cups. These were given as a gift to female soldiers and medical staff who help other people on the front line every day, along with bladder infection remedies, wound spray, small care products and grape sugar. Because in these challenging times, we want to value these strong women and do our part to ensure that they are provided with basic hygiene products.
Car donation from Martin GmbH
We were very pleased with the generous donation of the Mercedes Vito from Martin GmbH in Hattingen (Germany). The loyal company van not only transported the relief supplies safely to Ukraine, but was also handed over to the military on the Belarusian border. There it is used for important tasks such as evacuations and medical transportation.
The handover took place in the presence of a small delegation from the administration of the city of Zhytomyr, the press and military officers. In particular, the soldiers were very happy about this donation, as it is extremely difficult for them to procure reliable vehicles in view of the targeted war of attrition. During the handover, the military severity of those present at the beginning of the event faded and gave way to honest, emotional conversations about the challenges faced by both the civilian population and the soldiers. It was a moving moment that reminded us all how important solidarity is in such difficult times.
Meetings with people in Ukraine
Together with our partner foundation Pokrovafund, we were able to make direct contact with affected people and hand over our relief supplies to them personally. It is these encounters that remind us why we do what we do - to give hope and bring a little light into dark times. During our trip, we often met three groups of people whose stories touched us deeply and we would like to share them with you:
- Internally displaced persons: millions of people in Ukraine have been forced to flee their homes - whether due to the destruction of their homes or the immediate threat of war. Many of them already lost everything in 2014 and had to laboriously build up a new existence, only to lose everything again in 2021. Their stories are characterized by loss and hopelessness, but also by unshakeable courage: despite everything, they try to find their feet again.
- Widows and their children: At a meeting of a local church congregation, we were able to witness the tireless cohesion that prevails in this community. Widows, who often not only grieve for their partners but also have to struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, face enormous challenges. During this difficult time, they receive support in the form of relief supplies and the solidarity of others. When our team attended a meeting, we heard their moving stories and experienced how important it is that they are encouraged to accept help - as many were in the situation of needing support for the first time.
- Wounded soldiers: Many soldiers who return from deployment have suffered psychological trauma in addition to their serious physical injuries. The Ukrainian healthcare system is under immense pressure and is often unable to provide the necessary help. As a non-profit organization, we want to do our part to help these brave people with humanitarian aid supplies and support for rehabilitation and surgery costs. The conversations with the soldiers left a deep impression on us; their words about protecting their families and their lack of understanding for the cruelty of the attacks left a deep impression on us. Out of respect for their pain, we only took a few photos - because this is about people and their stories.
Thanks to all the people and companies who contributed to this transport with their donations!
