Is a rough translation of the motto for this small NGO based in a village less than a day’s walk from the Ukrainian border. It had started as a mutual aid group by and for the villagers themselves as they recognised the need to care for one another as many adults of working age moved away to cities with more employment prospects. For example, a teenager might chop firewood for a “grandpa” who could resole his shoes. This model proved very successful and is also now being used in other villages. To this day, this group is entirely run by local volunteers.
One tech savvy volunteer makes their main contribution to the group by searching the internet and finding other NGOs who can assist the local work with more goods or funds than can be sourced within the village. This work came to the fore after the conflict in Ukraine started and the village became the first place found by refugees fleeing across the border.
When the villagers were offered long term use of old local offices to develop a community centre, they approached Crossroads for assistance in furnishing and equipping the space for use by school students, the elderly, the handicapped, refugees and anyone else looking for company and meaningful activities.
Ivan Demian was left bedridden following a traffic accident. His wife’s salary as a nurse does not cover the family’s basic needs, so our partners have stepped in to supply clothing and medical supplies.
A community craft project run by Crossroads’ partners not only provides materials that local people would find unaffordable, but also the opportunity for local women and Ukrainian refugees to befriend each other.
Early-stage renovation of the old village office provided to our partners. They are renovating it to become a multi-purpose centre for the elderly, youth, handicapped people and refugees. Items in Crossroads’ shipment will provide much of the furniture and equipment for this and the other rooms. We look forward to sharing the “after” pictures!
Christmas time can be a time of great rejoicing and sharing or one of loneliness and sorrow in this region that remains deeply attached to its religious heritage. Our partners make a special effort to provide care packages of clothes, food and hygiene supplies to all the needy in their area, locals and refugees alike.
