We are a group of volunteers who in September, 2010 had the opportunity to work alongside our Ukrainian colleagues and help children with disabilities from the orphanage in Załucze. Overwhelmed by the immensity of needs and greatly impressed by the commitment of many people, we decided to create a webpage to help find further support.
The needs are enormous: disposable diapers, clothes, food, juice, and people who can take care of the kids. Please see our videos and photos.
The public orphanage in Załucze accommodates approx. 130 children of various ages. Among the children are sufferers of Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a range of disabilities caused by the incident at Chernobyl.
The head priest of the local parish, Father Jan Radoń, ‘discovered’ this otherwise closed institution. Thanks to God’s grace, the management of the orphanage agreed to show the children’s living conditions, which were later greatly improved through the help of many people. Currently 8 volunteers are supporting the children by teaching them basic skills and coordinating the distribution of humanitarian aid.
However, there are still many problems. One of them is insufficient financial support. The other is the need to change the mentality of people who brand those with disabilities as ‘punished by God’ and in need of isolation. Therefore, any kind of aid, including financial aid, will also contribute to gradually persuading the locals that the help is selfless and comes from the heart.
Alosha - approx. 7 years old, suffers from cerebral palsy and has a wilted left leg and left arm.
Dasha - 4 years old, both legs paralyzed, a very cheerful girl.
Igor - approx. 8 years old, suffers from epilepsy, has to spend most of his time bound to a wall.
Sasha - a girl suffering from Down’s Syndrome.
Ania - 6 years old, her growth has stopped and her weight is that of an 18-month old child, in constant need of nutrition.
Vova - 3 years old, often restrained by a straitjacket as he constantly puts his fingers in his mouth and chews on them.
Stefanek - approx. 4 years old, he cannot walk or talk.
Financial assistance is what is most required. The support of sponsors has made it possible for 8 volunteers to help 8 hours per day, 4 days a week, by taking care for the children in many ways, including washing, feeding, and dressing them. Father Grzegorz, another of the priests involved with the orphanage, provides the volunteers with 100 Euros for daily needs. Every month we need funds for disposable diapers and juice since the orphanage is not able to cover such expenses. Moreover, we intend to organize a trip for the children to a highland sanatorium at least once a year in order to revitalize their energy. A 5-day trip for 30 children costs ca. 2000 Euros.
If you would like to help the children from Załucze with any sum we encourage you to make the payment through Paypal.
All second-hand clothes, items for personal hygiene, and toys are also welcomed.
If you have any questions or would like to help the children, please contact us:
kontakt@pomocdlazalucza.pl
+38 067 395 13 69 (Ukraine)
+48 502 703 602 (Poland)
All donations will go toward helping the children from Załucze. The person responsible for the distribution of aid: Father Grzegorz Ząbek, Zabłotów ul. Młyńska 2, Iwano-Frankowska oblast, telephone number as above
