With the support of the town twinning association Rheine, small rays of hope were created for 1292 children in Ukraine at Christmas and New Year.
Rheine/ODESSA. The situation was dire: alarms, bombs, power cuts, no heating, no water and constant changes of location – for security reasons. Nevertheless, tireless helpers in southern Ukraine, with the support of the town twinning association Rheine, managed to create a small ray of hope for 1292 children for Christmas and New Year. “Constant alarms and shelling – an adventure in itself. Everything wanted to go wrong, but all the children still got their presents! And mostly during the celebrations with Santa Claus. Very traditional, festive. So our main victory is that we didn’t cancel anything,” reads the report, which has now reached Rheinenser from Odessa.Distraction from everyday war life is the magic word. The children designed gingerbread with decorations and much more. This was done in numerous small workshops – what a change from the dreary everyday life. “We particularly remember the children’s ability to be happy despite everything. They understand how bad the situation is outside, but when they paint a gingerbread or receive a gift, they beam as if it were the best day of their lives. That’s exactly why we do all this,” continues social worker Anton Tomin.The report from the organization of a Christmas surprise in the Odessa area makes dramatic reading: “After an attack, we were left without electricity, water and heating for a week, and the bakery was on the verge of shutting down. Fortunately, the water came back and the gingerbread was baked, but then the adventures with deliveries began because the bridge was bombed and half of the Odessa area was cut off from the outside world. We rerouted the deliveries, took detours, but delivered everything. I even realized that I was partly a logistician by profession. With a delay, but with victory. There’s something special when everyone says “impossible” and you still manage it,” continues Anton Tomin.Almost all 1292 gifts of sweets were distributed. The geographical extent was impressive: from Odessa to the most remote places in the region – Reni, Ismajil, Ananiev, Balta, Kodyma, Berezivka. Gathering all the children in one place would have been too dangerous and difficult. Conditions in which even going to the bakery is sometimes a real challenge. “Yes, it’s cold in the offices, and sometimes we had to hand out presents in ‘hug and run’ mode. Nevertheless, we tried to preserve the feeling of festivity as much as possible. Where possible, we organized New Year celebrations with classic characters: Santa Claus, snowflakes and everyone else,” the reporter continues.The town twinning association, which is permanently active in Ukraine with selective and targeted aid, is delighted with this once again important campaign, which it has made possible with around 6,000 euros.
“We have reliable and continuous donors so that we can provide important help within this modest framework,” reports Chairman Reiner Wellmann. This is all done in cooperation with employees of the Caritas children’s home, who come from Ukraine and ensure that the donations are used correctly. The thanks from Ukraine are an incentive for all members of the board of the town twinning association to remain active in supporting and helping here. “With your help, we have once again made a happy party possible for the children. Despite everything. As always,” concludes the report. And the association is happy to pass on its thanks to all donors and supporters.- The town twinning association is happy to accept donations for further aid, as calls for help from the war zone in the south of Ukraine reach Rheinenser time and time again. Donation account: DE65 4035 0005 0000 0642 53 at the Sparkasse Rheine.