6thof May 2019 – Kyiv train central station
Early in the morning the 6ththe group gathered at the train station in Kyiv. It was the Grand Prior of Ukraine, Chev. Valeriy Vynogradnyy BGCSJ and two of the Ukrainian Knights Chev. Visvaldas Symelis, OSJ, Chev. Artem Koniakin, OSJ and the Chancellor of Grand Priory of Sweden, Chev. Mikael Hagansbo, COSJ. After weeks of planing, smuggling all the boxes with collected items, one Brother taken by the Russian authorities and lots of emails and telephone calls the journey to eastern Ukraine finally had its beginning.
6thof May 2019 – Smaragdove Misto – 300 orphans in the age 3 – 16
Gathering and departure from Kyiv train station to Donbas in eastern Ukraine, some 30 km from the instable zoon of conflict and war. From Donbas to our base in Svyatogorsk we had a rented minibus with driver. Late lunch before collecting some of the boxes from Sweden in the local post office. After packing the minivan we went to the first orphanage in Svyatogorsk.
The first stop was at the orphan regional centre Smaragdove Misto 300 orphans in the age between 3 and 16. Meeting the children and give them cloths and toys was really fantastic and our hearts were filled with joy and warmth. This is what its all about, reaching out a helping hand and get awarded with a smile and love. After this we visited the sports- and play fields and their new school. This establishment is huge and their needs are also huge. Finally our first donors certificate and table flag was handed over to the Director.
7thof May 2019 – Orphanage and school internat Mikolaevka 120 orphans age 7 – 16, all with some light mental handicap
In this orphanage all children learn craftsmanship in their own school and the children have received many awards. We saw some of the fantastic artworks and we all got astonished and impressed.
Some of the children were gathered in the assembly hall, thrilled about the coming gifts. Together with collected clothing and toys we handed over slippers, hats and other items that was bought locally. After that the Manager showed us the houses, playground and surroundings.
After the first two orphanages we really had to process every impression during our car ride to the next orphanage which was the toughest to visit.