Новини
A day with the family and comrades: veterans on their mental recovery and the “Defender’s Family Cradle (Rodynna Kolyska Zahysnyka)” in Cherkasy oblast
29 may 2024
Military personnel and veterans, along with their families, gathered in the village of Melnyky, Cherkasy oblast, to recuperate, relax, and connect with their comrades. At the “Defender’s Family Cradle” event, participants baked bread in the traditional oven, crafted jugs, and made motanka dolls.
Veteran Boryslav Biedariev from the village of Leska, Cherkasy oblast, reunited with his comrades at the “Defender’s Family Cradle”. In August 2022, he left his job abroad to defend Ukraine and joined the Armed Forces. When fighting as a member of the 95th Air Assault Brigade near Kreminna, he was seriously wounded. After returning from the war and rehabilitation, he began his job search – and MHP offered him a position in one of its Cherkasy units.
“For me, “Defender’s Family Cradle” is about recovery and rejuvenation. Such projects are important for people returning from the front line, their families, and those waiting,” says Boryslav Biedariev, a veteran.
Serhiy Holdysh, a veteran from the Kaniv region, and the ATO participant, was among the visitors. He has been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract since 2013. He saw action near Maryinka, Horlivka, Hrabovske, and Pesky settlements. In August 2014, he was captured, and he lost nearly all of his teeth during his captivity.
“It’s simpler and more comforting to be within your people. Oleksandr Voskoboynik, the director of MHP–Urozhay, invited me here. It was his initiative that led to my dental prosthetics, which I lost during my captivity,” shares Serhiy Holdysh, a veteran.
This is the second occasion where the territory of Kholodnyi Yar, under the initiative of Oleksandr Voskoboynik, director of MHP–Urozhay, supported by the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation and the “Patriots of the Native Land – Ukraine” NGO, has been transformed into a space for military personnel, veterans, and their families to gather and connect.
“We are holding this type of event for the second time. Our aim remains unchanged: to rebuild unity, closeness, and integrity among military families and veterans who have been apart for a long time, experiencing stress and upheaval. When families work together on a shared task, it reignites positive emotions, restores mental well-being, and facilitates common recovery. I am sure that our team managed to achieve our goals to the fullest,” says Oleksandr Voskoboynik, director of MHP–Urozhay.
This year, the event was organized as part of the MHP Poruch program, which included medical check-ups, treatment and rehabilitation, legal and psychological support, social reintegration, and occupational adaptation for defenders.
“The MHP Poruch is a comprehensive and large-scale program operating in thirteen regions of Ukraine where our Foundation is active. We understand that upon returning home to their families, to work, and to the community, veterans need conditions and opportunities to rediscover their identity in civilian life and feel supported. Such events as the “Defender’s Hearth (Rodynna Kolyska Zahysnyka)” contribute to the mental recovery of our veterans,” says Tetiana Volochai, Director of the “MHP-Gromadi” Charitable Foundation.
All participants of the “Defender’s Family Cradle” also joined the fund-raising supporting the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar”. “Kruty Zamis” and “Kozak System” bands gave a charity concert for defenders and their families.