Hello everyone,
I have not posted any updates from my stay in Ukraine in quite some time, just shy of my 2nd year here in Kharkiv, so here it is;
Following are some highlights and general info on me and the actual situation in an effort to be concise. ill include a detailed list of what I have done, or still doing, separately.
This will also serve to hopefully kickstart my second attempt at a fundraiser.
- The Frunze Kitchen, where I have been volunteering at, and supporting, is still providing an average of 2000 meals a day to war affected locals. Our building got hit by missiles 3 times so far but luckily, the kitchen got spared.
- Earlier this year, I started teaching English and French in the two of the handful remaining offline schools. All government schools have been shut down since Covid. The school I worked full time at got destroyed by a Russian drone about two months ago.
- In retaliation to this event, friends and I decided to initiate an English-speaking club to help locals continue to learn and practice their English, and have an opportunity to socialize offline.
- I still act as Kharkiv’s main focal point to foreign volunteers, organizations and NGOs, as I have been living here, and networking in this community, for longer than most foreigners.
Understandably, after almost 3 years of conflict, Ukraine has lost some of its international exposure, and consequently, the world has lost some of its interest. In a nutshell, here are some of the headlines from the country’s North East (Kharkiv Region):
- Russia invaded the border north of the city a few months ago to our great surprise. The border being a whopping 18 km from the city, the Russians are now estimated to be about 10 km away from us. This allows them to use more cheaper, less precise artillery on us, which results in accidental hits, like what happened to my school. Being so close also prevents our air defense systems to react quickly enough to intercept oncoming air attacks.
- A few weeks ago, the Ukrainian army surprisingly invaded Russian territory North West of Kharkiv which also brings more tension in the region.
- Overall, and in general, the situation seems more and more deadlocked, unpredictable, fluid and with no end in sight. Periods of calm, and heavy bombing constantly alternate, putting any sense of normality and life stability impossible.
Many have asked me why, after now two years, I am still here. Which supports the inevitable fact that long lasting conflicts lose international interest, and consequently, support. I am still here because of just that. The longer the conflict drags on, the deeper the impact on the locals is. So, growing tensions, ever-growing numbers of displaced or needy people, major reduction in global support, donations, volunteers and funding culminates in more people requiring help, amid less resources.
Another reason I am still here is that I am still useful, if not more then before. My experience here, my networks, contacts, implications, initiatives and general support to the relief effort as a foreign volunteer, based in this one city for so long, renders my presence here quite useful.
Lastly, as young people here have been sequestered to their homes for almost six years now (Covid+invasion), offering my help as an offline teacher and hosting speaking clubs, allows, for some, to at least have an opportunity to continue learning and socializing as they should.
Conclusion is, I am more then ever useful here, over the facts that I truly enjoy what I do here, my life, and its rewards.
FUNDRAISING
I had made some fundraising efforts back in early 2023 and have not since then. As you can imagine, for me to keep going at this is getting quite challenging. As much as I despise money and even worst, asking for it, I would need your support at this point. I would never do so if I had any other solutions and if my activities here weren’t so important.
Here is how you can be of help;
- A one-time lump sum
- A recuring monthly amount
- A fundraising effort in your community, workplace, social network.
Easiest and safest way to contribute, any amount, is through this fundraising site
Another easy way is to use my Paypal account:
@FrancisFundsUkraine
Moneygram and Western Union are free of charges from anywhere to Ukraine
If you prefer any other methods, please do simply contact me.
No matter the amount or frequency, any help will be highly useful and appreciated. Ukrainians are some of the strongest and most resilient people I have encountered, yet, they need our help against this atrocious and unjust invasion.
Please do check out my various photo and video galleries on Facebook.
Thank you so very much in advance and PLEASE do pass this around and get the word out.
Francis cardinal Facebook : fcardinal.39
Rustyboi01982@gmail.com Insta: fcard40
+380 99 020 5347 Telegram: @Rustyboi82