Alla Vnukova moved from Kharkiv to Kyiv during the full-scale war and helps people through difficult periods in life through the practice of caring. In Kyiv, she joined the Starenki community first as a volunteer. Now she carefully coordinates tea gatherings for seniors in the capital.
Read the interview with Alla about volunteering and why tea gatherings with the older generation are a special event.
What is your personal motivation to help elderly people?
One elderly [woman], 60 years old, probably, volunteers and visits her ward at the age of 82. When asked “why do you volunteer?” she replied: “Because I can. I have hands, legs, and I have the strength to come.” So do I “can.” I can give emotions and attention that don’t require millions, but are the most valuable to the lonely.
Giving what you have not out of pity, but out of love. My motivation.
Why, in your opinion, is it important to help elderly people?
The loneliest people in the world are children and the elderly. They cannot do without help. It’s unnecessary to talk about helping children. But the elderly are considered either “able to cope on their own” or “see no prospects.” But the elderly are our face of humanity. How we treat the elderly speaks volumes about our true values as a nation. The elderly are our history, our truth of real life, not rewritten textbooks. They are our traditions and our roots. How can leaves grow on branches if you forget to treat the trunk or roots.
What are your impressions of the Foundation’s activities: packaging and distribution? What moments were the most pleasant for you?
Distribution helps expand your imagination and see how the elderly really live. In what conditions and what is important for them to have. Once you’ve been to distribution, you don’t need to remind yourself why you’re helping the elderly.
But seeing a sincere smile and joy from meeting, it’s hard to hold back tears. Grandmothers dress up and do hairstyles. They treat with tea and happily take photos.
What about tea gatherings?
It’s a celebration that doesn’t need to wait for an official date. It’s a holiday that the Foundation’s volunteers organize independently for active lonely seniors. We prepare an entertainment program, partners treat with delicious food, children or teenagers make cards, gifts.
In your opinion, what are the biggest problems that older people in Ukraine face today?
Daily survival. When the means are enough to cover utility bills, only medicines important for life support and something to eat. There is almost no employment and opportunities to be useful. The options for getting additional help are very limited.
Do you think it’s necessary to openly talk about helping others?
Yes, it’s necessary to talk from the standpoint of results, to show how it changes lives and that it’s not as difficult as people think. To inspire by example and then the environment will join on its own.
Why did you choose the “Starenki” foundation to help the elderly?
Freedom of action and support of ideas. Values. Help not for the sake of help, but to improve life, genuine care for everyone. Easy to join, locations within the city limits. Very pleasant communication and understanding attitude towards various life circumstances of each volunteer.
What advice would you give to those who want to try themselves as volunteers for the first time?
It’s impossible to go wrong in volunteering with elderly people. There are no strict criteria here: right or wrong. If you want to, just write and they will tell you, help you, and guide you. A small step from you and 10 steps from people towards you. Good intentions have great power.
Elderly people didn’t have the internet, but they have life wisdom, because life is not eternal, and only the elderly can pass on to you what is truly important in life.