Keep going, no matter what.
That’s one of the lessons I learned from a recent trip to Ukraine. I am from Ukraine and chose to spend the holidays visiting family in the midst of war. Since becoming a U.S. citizen and living in Atlanta, I have found immense pride in my Ukrainian background, my relationship with those exhibiting courage every day in my homeland and the work my colleagues and I are doing through HelpingUkraine.us.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Yes, I visited my family, but I also visited five projects we are funding to support Ukrainians during this time of turmoil and trauma, thanks to the Russian war on Ukraine that started three years ago next month. It is easy to forget, because we have so much, the suffering that is happening in a country where villages are shrinking, children lack access to education and communities must come together to pool their resources for medical services, education and even joy. I chose to go at Christmastime, but it was I who received a gift: incredible appreciation shown in so many of the projects we support.
Much of our work is aimed at helping children, and, through that, I found the joy of Christmas.
One such project, the Children’s Cultural Center in Rohan Village, includes education focused not just on the written word but also on the arts, allowing children to find delight in music and dance. I arrived there on Christmas Eve, escorted by Roman Smyrnov from our partner foundation, Power in UA, and delivered gifts to 280 children in the ensemble at the center. The joy I witnessed in these children made me feel like Santa Claus. While we visited, they put on a concert for us and their parents, which felt like a present to me and a sign of their appreciation for what we are doing. The smiles on the parents’ faces as the children performed and the delight and glee in the children who received new instruments from us were immeasurable.
Other aspects of our work aim to help older adults. While in Khoroshevo Village, we visited more than 300 seniors with disabilities from villages and towns that were destroyed. We earlier created a medical facility for them. We had a similar experience visiting with the seniors, for whom a gift of chocolate meant so much.
As I witness life in Ukraine today, I see acceptance of a new way of life, living around the destroyed structures that were once so beautiful, living with sirens in the background, the terror of bombs shaking the very ground under our feet and drones flying overhead. It has been almost three years since Ukrainians have had to learn to live with courage, making every minute count. Helping each other has been the purpose of everyday life.
Through this tragedy, Ukrainians continue to go to work, support their families and navigate this trauma in a way that should teach us all what real courage is. The deep meaning of home — even to destroyed villages — and spreading love within their communities encourages them to persevere with hope, pride and sheer determination.
They are not doing this alone. During my visit, I met Devon Hazelett, a man from Ohio who previously served in the U.S. Army. After seeing videos of crying mothers and children, he was moved by the need for help and wanted to do more. In March 2022, he joined an international military group supporting Ukraine. After two and a half years of service, he transitioned to providing medical support on Ukraine’s front lines, continuing his commitment to humanitarian efforts. Meeting someone with no prior ties to Ukraine yet who is fully dedicated to supporting my family, friends and those whom HelpingUkraine.us serves was incredibly moving. In addition to Hazelett, we have hundreds of volunteers in our Hope Centers, medical facilities and children’s programs.
What does hope mean? How can we draw inspiration from the courage of others? How can we rediscover the magic of giving to those in need? As we reflect on the resilience of the Ukrainian people who are facing unimaginable challenges yet finding strength in community and generosity, we’re reminded of the power of unity and selflessness. In this new year, can we in this country, with our freedoms, embrace a similar spirit of giving? Can we learn to make each day and each moment meaningful by reaching out to others? This is the challenge and opportunity that lies before us.
I visited Ukraine at Christmas and ventured into war zones. I witnessed the grief and suffering that is embedded in Ukrainians everyday lives, but I returned home feeling inspired to continue bringing hope to those in Ukraine who are fighting not only for their freedom but also for democracy worldwide, including ours.
Olga Gorman is the Volunteer chief executive officer of Helping Ukraine US Foundation. She immigrated to the United States three years ago from Ukraine. Her hometown in the Donetsk region has been occupied by Russia since 2014. With the help of Ukrainian volunteers, Gorman has organized events including art exhibitions, film screenings, and a Ukrainian Tribune at a Braves Game to highlight Ukraine’s resilience and rich culture.
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