“If we help seniors now, we will significantly increase the chances that our old age will be better” (volunteer from Kyiv Serhiy Klepyk on the importance of helping right now).
Serhiy Klepyk lives in the capital of Ukraine and works as a graphic designer. But this is not his only activity. Serhiy has been helping the Starenki Foundation as a volunteer for four years.
He tried all kinds of activities: he was both a volunteer on foot and a driver on deliveries, packed food and warm kits and handed goodies to seniors for tea parties.
Serhiy believes that it is always necessary to help those who need it whenever possible. He believes in karma and has seen from his own experience that good deeds add energy and power and displace bad thoughts.
Read in a short interview below what we learned about Serhiy’s experience in volunteering and his personal perception of the problems of elderly people.
What is your personal motivation for helping seniors and in general, why do you think it is important to help elderly people?
I lost my father when I was a teenager, and then I had to deal with the Pension Fund, where I sometimes had to come. At least at that time, everything was very difficult in these institutions. You had to queue at night to get there. There were small corridors where it was stuffy and cramped. One old man even died in the line. This strongly reflected on my perception of the problems of elderly people. Then I understood that they should be helped.
Tell us about your experience and impressions of volunteering at Starenki. Mostly, I help with aid delivery. 4 years ago, when I was just starting out, I joined the package distribution as a foot volunteer. A little later, I was able to help as a volunteer-driver. I also took part in packaging several times: I put products in packages, which were then delivered to seniors. I used to feel that volunteering was a bit of a mess. And in fact, everything is very convenient and clear in Starenki. The coordinators always brief me with all the necessary information. Even if some questions arise along the way, we quickly sort everything out and make decisions together on how best to act.
Many volunteer movements require continuous involvement. At the Starenki Foundation, I join in helping whenever possible: sometimes once a month, sometimes several times a month, which is very convenient. At the same time, there is no pressure and no one forces me to volunteer on a permanent basis.
What are your impressions of the packing and delivery process?
After packaging and delivery, I always stay in high spirits and have a pleasant feeling that I did something good and helped someone. It is worth trying and experiencing. You 100% get a lot in return.