Families and volunteering

For many of us, volunteering has long since become more than just an activity or a responsibility – it has become a calling. Over the years of tireless work, genuine family bonds have grown around this commitment, built on trust, support, and love.

Our Olena Samoilenko supported a young wounded soldier, Andrii from the Luhansk region, for many years. With the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she opened the doors of her home to Andrii, his young wife, and their three-day-old son. In her rented apartment in Hamburg, Olena welcomed the young family into her home, and for two years they lived together under one roof until the family was able to find a suitable home of their own.

During this time, Olena and her husband became true grandparents to the little boy and a reliable source of support for his parents during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

And this is far from the only story of its kind. There are many similar examples within our community that demonstrate the boundless dedication of our volunteers, their willingness to support others, and their sincere love for Ukrainian heroes. It is thanks to people like them that a special strength of unity is born – a strength that helps us overcome even the greatest challenges.