Start volunteering in Ukraine

Since then, I’ve been volunteering through several different organizations. I’ve been, for example, covering windows and cleaning debris in civilian apartments after enemy strikes, distributing humanitarian aid, working on renovation projects, and doing camo netting.

For someone considering volunteering in Ukraine, I want to address the possible risks involved in such action. Everyone makes their own decisions. Contributing from one’s home country by raising or donating money or keeping up the conversation about what is happening in Ukraine is also a very important and respected thing to do.

If you have questions about arriving in Ukraine, send us a message, and hopefully we can provide the answers you are looking for. From one volunteer to another. Johannes

Due to family and business responsibilities, it took me over 3 years from the start of the invasion to cross the Polish border and arrive in Kyiv by train. Getting an electrician's vital kit across Europe and back was ‘interesting’ and didn’t leave much space or weight for anything else! I had the privilege to be met off the train, and thanks to excellent guidance, within an hour or so, I was checking into an apartment in central Kyiv.

I was expecting to be impressed by Kyiv and its resilient people; I was not disappointed. Their bravery and warmth were humbling. I found the city to be surprisingly easy to navigate, despite having lived as a country bumpkin for over 30 years and lacking IT competence. The first lesson I learned was to only use Google Maps; the Apple version is rubbish out there.

The one thing that would have simplified my time in Kyiv and beyond would have been for me to know more about VPNs, eSIMs, and general cybersecurity. I know more now, but I’m absolutely not competent to guide anyone on that subject.  For your own safety and others, getting your cybersecurity right is very important.

Kitty Pechersk was the main volunteering hub I was aware of before arriving, and as well as being invaluable for its production of camo netting and gillie suits, etc., it’s a great place to meet other volunteers and discover where your skill set can be put to best use. Through the locals and foreign volunteers I met there, opportunities arose, including helping complete new family housing near Hostomel, helping clear up after drone and missile strikes on civilian sites, and upgrades to bomb shelters, etc.

My first 6-week tour of humanitarian and electrical duty in Ukraine was the most intense, uplifting, and rewarding work I have ever undertaken. It still nourishes my secular soul to this day, as well as helping me to stay focused on raising awareness, donations, and aid for Ukraine.

Be warned, however, very few people can get themselves to Ukraine, contribute to the economy, reconstruction projects, and its sovereignty without being profoundly affected. When you have to leave your new friends and travel home, knowing you will be safe and warm while they will be under constant threat and surviving at minus 20 with no electricity supply is not easy. The need to return ASAP will almost certainly ‘haunt’ you. Slava Ukraini!

I have about six years of experience in the construction industry. Over the years, I’ve worked in electrical installation, as well as installing and reconstructing plumbing and heating systems. I was born in Romania, where I essentially mastered the construction profession. Later, I moved to the UK, where I worked as a manager in a local company. Now, I feel inspired to help Ukrainians, so I moved to Kyiv to support people here and joined several volunteer initiatives.

Since moving to Ukraine, I’ve been volunteering almost every day. I take part in urgent reconstruction projects with various volunteer organizations, and I also repair bicycles that are then given to residents of deoccupied territories. I’ve been volunteering since February 2023, helping affected residents mainly in the Kyiv region, and sometimes in other regions as well.

What always amazes and inspires me about volunteering is that this kind of work has no barriers or borders. People from different parts of the world and from all walks of life can come together and work in harmony for the benefit of others.

The gratitude and happiness I see in the eyes of the people we help make every drop of sweat and every minute spent helping a person or family just so incredibly meaningful. I can only wish for others to find the same meaning in life.