One of the recurring discussions we have had throughout this trip is around the purpose of volunteering - why do we do it? Why do we feel compelled to help? What is more important - achieving a goal or just feeling good about doing something? Sometimes volunteering is tough. Sometimes it involves working in situations that are hard to improve, aiming for results that are hard to measure, and making progress that can feel invisible - a drop of water in a giant ocean.
And sometimes volunteer work can give those that volunteer pure and simple joy while also achieving a tangible result. Today felt rewarding in a visceral sense because we could see the results of our labor appear before our eyes as we assembled dozens of Ikea chairs and tables to create a new community center.
After a morning visit with the Maltese Red Cross - a local partner - we spent the day in Harangláb, a small village of about 200 people where we transformed an empty room next to the town’s church into a brand new community center and haven for local kids. It was magical to see what a dedicated group of no more than twenty volunteers can accomplish in less than four hours - with a budget of less than $10,000. Pictures speak more than a thousand words and this day is best captured with photos. Here is a collage of the work we did - and the smiles it has created on the faces of the children and the community we have helped.
The building in its empty state.
The work begins.
And continues.
And somehow, in four hours, an empty room is magically transformed into a vibrant and cozy community center - and gets immediately claimed by the children.
A huge thank you to everyone that contributed to making this magical day happen in the middle of a trip that has seen both uplifting and tough volunteer moments.
To donate to Direct Aid for Ukraine through a registered US charity to receive a tax deduction, please follow the link below:
https://www.ger3.org (PLEASE ALSO EMAIL ALEX.DAVERN@YAHOO.COM SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE YOUR DONATION GOES TO DIRECTAIDFORUKRAINE.ORG).
On behalf of Team DIRECTAIDFORUKRAINE.ORG
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