Hope returned in the difficult times

Project: Increasing the sustainability and protection of food security of internally displaced persons in the east of Ukraine.

The project is implemented in partnership with the international organization World Vision with the financial support of GIRO 555.

Iryna Oleksandrivna Khymynets is from Zaporizhzhia and she recollects the events of the beginning of the war in her hometown of Huliaipole with a lot of bitterness: “Somewhere from the fourth of March we heard first shots … And we had no idea that it would go so far”.

The woman devoted her whole life to her family – her husband, four children and grandchildren. Together they lived in a cozy house, looking after the garden. “I didn’t work anywhere, I was a landlord, I fed poultry. We had everything,” she says.

The disasters of war destroyed peaceful life.

While spending time in the summer kitchen, Iryna Oleksandrivna suddenly heard a terrible explosion. The house shook, glass broke… This was the first shelling of Huliaipole. I had to run away from my home. At first, they sought refuge in a bomb shelter, and on March 6, they went with their children to Dnipropetrovsk region.

“We still thought it would not be for long, a week or two. But the situation got worse,” says Ms. Iryna. Eventually they had to evacuate to Zaporizhzhya, where the family has been renting housing for almost two years.

Despite everything, Iryna Oleksandrivna tries to live on. “I am already retired, I receive social assistance as an IDP. “Sometimes I find side hustle, sew something to somehow make ends meet,” says the woman. Her adult children remained to live in Dnipropetrovsk oblast. But now her daughter-in-law and two grandchildren are with her.

“Granddaughters are the meaning of life for me, they bring joy in these difficult times,” Ms. Iryna smiles. “We play, draw, and go for walks. Liza is very outgoing and brisk, she can make friends with anyone! They don’t let us lose heart.”

One of her sons is currently performing military service in the combat zone of the Bakhmut direction. “Every day I pray for him and for the victory of Ukraine. I believe – soon we will return home, to free and peaceful Huliaipole! – adds Iryna Oleksandrivna.

Thanks to the support of the international organization World Vision with the financial assistance of GIRO 555, the “Arms of Mercy” foundation provided the family with food kits, hygiene products, and clothes.

“We received help for each of our seven relatives, both adults and children. It is very important! – shares Ms. Iryna’s impressions. — “There were cereal, pasta, canned goods, tea, oil… Even washing and cleaning products. Everything you need in everyday life.” In addition to humanitarian support, Iryna Oleksandrivna thanks the foundation and volunteers for their care and sincerity.

Her only dream now is that all her relatives and friends see the victory and return alive to their home, to their land.

“A low bow and glory to Ukraine! Together we are invincible!” – concludes the woman.