On December 10, 2023, the small charity organization Kulbaba, created by an immigrant community in the USA, held a charity event within their community to raise funds to help the elderly in Ukraine. The team collected and donated $3,500 to the “Starenki” foundation, which we spent on warm kits for grandmothers and grandfathers. Kulbaba emerged in response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine when a group of friends realized they couldn’t remain indifferent to this tragedy, even being on the other side of the planet. We asked the team about their work directions and motivation to support the elderly. Read about Kulbaba in our interview.
Describe the Kulbaba community. Who are these people, where are they from, what motivates them to organize charitable events and participate in them?
Among us are refugees from Ukraine who left during the full-scale war. There are emigrants from former Soviet countries who have long lived in the USA and condemn Russian aggression. There are Americans who wholeheartedly support Ukraine and attend charity events to express their support. Our goal is to create a space where these people can come together and discover Ukrainian culture from a new perspective. Despite challenging circumstances in our country, during our charity events, we strive to provide guests with a positive mood, so they feel Ukrainian hospitality, creativity, and kindness.
Whom do you usually help? In what charity directions do you operate?
We found our calling in supporting humanitarian projects. We know that in our country, many people need help, especially now during the war. Of course, the impact of our small organization is not significant in the scale of this catastrophe. Still, we decided that it’s better to do something and help even a few people than do nothing.
How do you choose initiatives you would like to support?
Charitable collections rely on people’s trust. Therefore, we choose reputable funds in Ukraine that we trust personally and can vouch for their work to our donors in the USA. We try to focus our activities on the most vulnerable social groups – children and the elderly.
How did you learn about Starenki?
The Starenki foundation has long been on our radar. We knew about this foundation for many years as an organization caring for the elderly. When we decided to organize a fundraiser to support the elderly, the decision to choose Starenki as a partner was made instantly.
Why did you decide to support this particular fund helping the elderly in Ukraine?
For us, transparency of the organizations we transfer funds to is essential. The Starenki team makes a lot of effort to showcase the results of their work. We are a generation living with social media, and Starenki’s page provides information about the foundation’s projects in an easy and understandable format.
Share your observations: what problems do elderly people most commonly face in the world and in Ukraine?
In our opinion, elderly people in Ukraine and around the world face some common difficulties. Firstly, it is the issue of social isolation. Many elderly people live alone, often feeling detached from society and having limited access to social contacts. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. In Ukraine, this problem is particularly felt now during the war when many young people have left the country. Another problem is health and access to quality medical services. With age, various chronic illnesses arise, requiring constant medical supervision and treatment. Yet another significant issue is economic security. Pensions often do not cover basic needs, forcing the elderly to seek additional sources of income. It is also important to mention the accessibility and adaptation of infrastructure – from public transport to living conditions, which are not always suitable for the needs of the elderly.
Why is it important to openly talk about the rights and interests of elderly people?
Each of us has elderly – grandmothers and grandfathers or respected neighbors. This generation is not accustomed to complaining or asking for help. Now these people often remain alone and feel abandoned by the authorities and society. Attention and support are needed for anyone, especially when that person is entirely lonely.
Do you think it’s essential to openly talk about helping others? Why?
Publicizing charitable projects has many positive aspects. Here are the main reasons for openly talking about helping others:
1. Inspire others to do good – people see the example and have the opportunity to join good deeds.
2. Give others hope. It’s easy to fall into depression amid endless terrible news. By showcasing our good deeds, we support each other’s morale, letting others understand that there is kindness in this world.