Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, caring citizens of Cherkasy have been helping the displaced and temporarily displaced persons, the army and TRO forces, the poor and the elderly. We are writing this article in October, and looking back it is difficult to remember everything that was done, because at the start the pace was such that little was remembered, let alone recorded. It was NEEDED and needed quickly and all at once.

BUT! We gathered our thoughts and collected some photos and video material about where the volunteers were and what the “Gart” Charitable Foundation was doing these 8 months.

February 2022 – the first days.

February 24. Morning. Loud. From the news and calls from loved ones, we learned that our life is a little different now. That our neighbor is a little inadequate (read not a little) and now it is important to do everything. to protect himself, his family, his city and his country.

The main value of the country is people.

The first thing that was done was the preparation of bomb shelters. At that time, we were not so experienced, but we learned from the Internet where they are, what you need to have in the shelter to spend an hour, two, or three there quietly – while our anti-aircraft defenses will mercilessly clear the sky. Thanks to everyone who cares, we were able to fill the necessary, as well as add a little comfort to some of the shelters.

What else?

Every Ukrainian knows: TRO are heroes who defended their hometown. Currently, we are talking not only about Cherkasy, but about every city, village, community.
In one day, roadblocks were pulled, defense and fortification of the city was organized. We realized – that our participation is also necessary – but from the side of provision – so, on the basis of a vocational technical school, we deployed a volunteer hub that prepared food for TRO, collected things for those fleeing the war, reformatted our dormitories into a transit and partly permanent shelter for temporarily displaced persons.

And then March came.

March was busy for “Garth” – because it was still not clear when it will end, but it is already 100% clear who will win.

There were requests from the military – they asked for the most important things – ammunition, sanitation, medicine, thermal imaging devices.
They began to take part in training and prepare themselves.

April is the time of repair!

The whole world has already understood that we Ukrainians are an indomitable and very united nation. There was no doubt – together we can do everything.

Friends of our foundation is a creative association of bloggers “Creative therapy” and their ideological leader, Dmytro Zhezherun, leased the old premises of the “Veres” LLC administration and began to make repairs there themselves, with the aim of organizing a transit shelter for displaced persons.
All construction materials were purchased, work was organized, and many caring people were involved.
The goal was only one: to create, as far as possible, a comfortable and cozy place for people who had to leave their own home. The facility is still functioning today, accepting displaced persons and providing the necessary assistance whenever possible.