Goodness in Action: How Moscow NGOs Support SVO Fighters and Residents of New Territories

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

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Camouflage nets and boxes of medicine for special military operation (SVO) fighters, toys for little residents of new territories — the capital's non-profit organizations (NPOs) help not only in Moscow, but also beyond its borders. Their work is not abstract words, but concrete actions. These are kilometers of travel and tons of collected cargo with equipment, food, books and clothes. And most importantly — the warmth that people who find themselves in a variety of situations receive.

We tell you how Moscow NGOs support fighters on the front lines, residents of new and border regions, and pets.

Joining forces

For over two years, the international charity foundation "Unity of Nations" has been supporting the elderly, people with disabilities, orphans and participants in a special military operation. They purchase and send equipment, technology and uniforms for soldiers: helmets, gear, quadcopters, electronic warfare equipment, radio stations and drone detection detectors.

"UAZ vehicles, trench ovens, trailers and 250 cubic meters of wood for building dugouts – field shelters – have already been sent to the front lines. Now they have announced a collection for enduro motorcycles – the soldiers also really need them," says Oleg Korolev, director of the Unity of Nations Foundation.

The foundation's employees also hold open master classes in the capital, where anyone can take part in creating camouflage nets. Registration for them is available on the website "Mosvolonter".

"Our master classes are always in demand. They bring together people of all ages. Often up to 15 people come to one master class. There are regular participants – elderly people, children, students, school teachers, college teachers, working people. And at our meetings, participants can write letters or make postcards to the SVO fighters. We send them to the front line along with other cargo," Oleg Korolev shares.

The foundation's employees also provide assistance to residents of new and border territories. Together with volunteers, they send clothes, toys and stationery to children from orphanages in Belgorod, Donetsk and Lugansk.

"Together we are doing a common cause. It is always difficult to go through difficulties alone, but together, united, we can achieve any goal," the mos.ru interlocutor emphasizes.

Help for those who are waiting for it

The participants of the SVO, as well as residents of new and border regions, are also supported by the all-Russian public organization "Federation of the Union of Cossacks". More than four thousand tons of aid have already been sent to various cities – from Kursk to settlements in the Kherson region. The organization supports social institutions and helps those in need.

"We give school uniforms to children from orphanages and boarding schools, clothes and household appliances to adults, and building materials to restore destroyed houses. We send bandages and blankets, medicines, stretchers, wheelchairs and carts to hospitals, and equipment to soldiers. More than 80 vehicles have already been transferred to the SVO zone," says Vitaly Shcherbin, head of the main department of the Federation of the Union of Cossacks.

In addition, the organization also supports pets left without shelter. Volunteers deliver food to dogs and cats in shelters in Lugansk and Donetsk. Help is also sent to people who care for homeless animals, find them and place them in families.

The Federation of the Union of Cossacks also raises caring people. The organization's employees support young volunteers who collect humanitarian aid. The most active are awarded commemorative signs. Award ceremonies are held for schoolchildren throughout Russia. In addition to young helpers, public awards are also ceremoniously presented to veterans, SVO participants, and volunteers.

In addition, thematic meetings are held for the younger generation, where they talk about patriotism, history and continuity. They are organized in schools and higher educational institutions of Moscow and other cities of Russia.

"It is important to tell children about memorable dates, explain why this or that event happened and how it affected the world. And also talk to them about help. Support is necessary at all times. It always receives a response and gratitude. It is important for the fighters defending the country to understand that they are loved and waited for at home and that there are those nearby who will come to the rescue. Even small but necessary support always finds feedback, and those who are ready to provide it are welcomed as family," says Vitaly Shcherbin.

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Psychological support and care

The charitable foundation for helping families with children in difficult life situations, "Everyone is Important", was established in 2020. It provides psychological and legal support to large families, families of SVO participants, low-income and those who have lost their jobs, as well as people with special needs. The foundation also supports SVO fighters. Aid is collected according to a list and sent to the front lines once a month.

"We send a variety of things – from clothing and medicine to construction materials (nails, screwdrivers) for defensive dugouts. We also deliver equipment – generators, chargers, radios. Volunteers, charity groups and relatives of soldiers who went to the SVO help us in our work," says Elena Glebova, director of the "Everyone is Important" foundation.

Since the beginning of the SVO, the foundation's employees have also been working with wards of orphanages from Donetsk, Lugansk, Stakhanov and Makeyevka. Volunteer psychologists come there with humanitarian aid and conduct rehabilitation programs for the children.

"First of all, we work with the employees of orphanages, give them recommendations, tell them how to conduct classes. And we conduct games and talk with the children to rehabilitate them a little. As a result, even those who were closed and did not make contact are now always looking forward to a new meeting – they hug us and arrange tea parties. I remember once in one orphanage we met 16-year-old Misha. At first, it seemed that we were not interesting to him at all. And now, if we do not come, he asks: "Why weren't you there last time?"," Elena Glebova shares.

The children in orphanages are also helped with things – clothes, toys and stationery. Often they bring creative sets with which children learn to draw, embroider and make mosaic pictures. The children give their finished works to the foundation's employees. And they also bring sweets for the children and teenagers.

"Children are always very happy to be cared for. You can see how their mood immediately improves, how they change in just a few weeks. And such results are the strongest motivation for us to continue our work," the mos.ru interlocutor emphasizes.

Good is on the way

The social assistance center for people “Kilometers of Good Deeds” began its journey with tourist car trips around the country and in four years has grown into a large team ready to help everyone who needs it.

"We traveled a lot with our large families and friends. Over time, we began to pay attention to the problems that parents like us face in small towns. We began to help, many volunteers have more than 10 years of such experience. That's how our center appeared," says Lidiya Martynova, director of the "Kilometers of Good Deeds" center.

The center's employees learn about where and who needs help from fellow volunteers or directly from those in need. Applications are accepted on social networks. Based on them, lists of necessary items are compiled and prepared for shipment. Often, the employees themselves deliver humanitarian aid to new and border territories. And in some cities, they organize mobile points near churches, where those in need can go for food and clothing.

"Over the course of several years, we have received a variety of requests. At first, they even asked to simply pass on sweets. Now, however, office supplies for September 1 and clothing for residents of all ages are in demand. In addition, products such as eggs, fish, and chicken are needed. There is also a shortage of children's literature – the children keep the books they receive on the most prominent shelf for many years as a valuable gift," shares Lidiya Martynova.

In addition, aid is sent to hospitals and the SVO zone. Drones, car repair tools, camouflage nets, blankets and underwear are purchased for the fighters. Medicines are also delivered.

"We adhere to the principle of helping with all our strength, because much depends on the personal participation of each person. And recognition and a sense of pride in their actions become motivation for volunteers to continue. The main thing is to show that no one will be left alone and there is always support nearby. There are many good people and many who really sincerely want to help. Many simply do not know that such an opportunity exists," the director of the center notes.

Everyone can contribute and support those who need it. This is possible with the help of charity service on the mos.ru portal. To do this, you need to select one or more NPOs and make a transfer. You can make a donation by selecting a specific program, and for those who find it difficult to make a choice, there is the "Help Everyone" option. Then the payment will be divided equally between all the charitable programs in the category.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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