2024 Sept 30/Day 2: Back to the Front: pickups and kids performing for the troops, Visit to the special needs kids

Today we visited a home for boys and men with special needs where Direct Aid for Ukraine bought a brand new VW minivan that is able to carry the boys to the hospital and field trips far more comfortably than the 1970s vintage bus you see on the right of this picture.  Next up, we saw the local kids dancing for their dads - the homecoming soldiers. We handed over much-needed supplies to the troops as they headed back to their positions on the Eastern Front.

Vynohradive Special Needs Boys' Institute

---

Even more impact can be seen by the beautiful new living quarters, complete with modern Ikea furniture and paintings built by over 40 volunteers at the beginning of the year. In contrast, there was a heating system delivered by a large aid organization last January that came without instructions and was missing a few key pieces, and thus stood unused. That’s one of the main reasons I am so excited to participate in this direct aid effort rather than just donating to international organizations: The impact can be felt - and verified.   

After touring the facilities, we were treated to lovely songs and performances that differed in style though not in substance from the performances put on each year for the annual concert at my own kids’ school. 

As we were walking to lunch, one of the singers, Victor, grabbed me by the arm and started talking in English. By the time we reached the cafeteria I was hijacked to view his paintings, which were stunningly elaborate and covered his entire bed and living room. It made me realize, more than I did before, that no matter what our circumstances in life or what special needs we may have, we all have skills and passions that we should be proud of. It was a truly touching display of talent in a place where I did not initially expect it. 

Dance performance for the homecoming dad soldiers, organized by Vynohradive Humanitarian Center

---

After the visit we met soldiers and their families as they said goodbye and headed to the front. We watched girls dance with Ukrainian flags - cute, fun, and utterly normal, until you realize that the father that is proudly filming his daughter from the back of the room is packed up and ready to leave for Kilometer Zero as they call it - the very front of the front line - with the very real prospect that he may never see his daughter again.  

Supporting the true heroes of Ukraine

---

As the soldiers shake our hands and begin their journey East with six brand new pickup trucks, blankets, and other needed items donated by Direct Aid for Ukraine I realize that more so than the material support we are providing - which was highly appreciated and will save lives - our true value may be in giving soldiers comfort and knowledge. Comfort that someone else in the world cares about what happens in Ukraine. Knowledge that in a far away place, someone is rooting for these brave husbands and fathers that left their families today to put their lives on the line for a vision of a European democracy free from authoritarian rule.

Stay tuned as we will post daily updates from our journey. 

Program

How can you help?

---

We have several projects, looking for sponsorship. If you would like to work with us, join these missions, please get in touch!

If you are in the United States, don't hesitate to get in touch with Alex Davern, who will be coordinating the funds donated to this purpose: alexdavern@gmail.com 

If you are in Hungary or you have a smaller contribution to make, please contact Zsuzsanna Bozo, in Hungary. Send a message here: directaidforukrainecharity@gmail.com 

On behalf of Team DIRECTAIDFORUKRAINE.ORG