Throughout 2023, the volunteer team of the Foundation was growing rapidly. Natalia is one of the team members. By profession, she is an advertising manager, a mother of two, and the wife of a military man. She had heard about “Starenki” from acquaintances, on social media, and even in the company where she works. In 2020, Natalia joined us as a volunteer, and three years later, she became the coordinator of Starenki volunteers in the Dniprovsky district of Kyiv.
During her time volunteering at the Foundation, Natalia noticed how lonely elderly people became increasingly anxious due to the pandemic and full-scale war, so any interaction with people is valuable to them: “They are especially happy to see our volunteers, and it always adds positivity to their lives. This is evident in conversations. If they see that a volunteer is open to communication, they will share how they are doing.”
What is your personal motivation to help elderly people?
I seek balance in life, and for me, this includes contributing to the society I live in, not just focusing on my own needs.
Why, in your opinion, is it important to help elderly people?
I try to help not only the elderly. Of course, there are also the military, children, and animals. But it was helping the elderly that particularly caught my attention. The military is vital, children and animals are very cute and touching. Unfortunately, old age doesn’t always evoke such emotions, yet there is a large percentage of elderly people in our country. These people found themselves at a turning point in history. Many of them worked under the Soviet Union when there was a different logic regarding pension contributions. They relied on a solidarity pension system that now doesn’t work in their favor, but they no longer have time to save for a dignified old age.
Share your impressions of volunteering activities at the Foundation?
The most pleasant thing is being physically involved in the process. When you see how many useful products and items the elderly will receive from the foundation, when you see the emotions during distributions or tea gatherings. It can’t leave you indifferent.
In your opinion, what are the biggest problems that older people in Ukraine face today?
The biggest problem is war and the physical threat to life and health. The next important factor is low pensions and lack of communication with other people. It’s not just about food assistance from our foundation, but also about communication: with volunteers and among the elderly themselves. And for volunteers, it’s also important to understand the conditions in which lonely elderly people live, to break out of their “information bubble,” and understand the importance of their own pension savings.
Do you think it’s necessary to openly talk about helping others?
If you openly talk about your help, it additionally attracts other people to volunteering: your friends see the example of such activity and understand that it’s normal to help others, and it should be like that.
Why did you choose the “Starenki” foundation to help elderly people?
The Starenki foundation seemed to be the most transparent and understandable. Plus, there was also the opportunity to join various activities and choose what suits you best: packaging, distribution, tea gatherings, or simply donate funds.
What has changed in three years of volunteering at the foundation?
As I delved deeper into the life of the foundation, I realized how many nuances there are, what a complex process it is. Previously, I didn’t see the full complexity of this work, as many people are involved in the process, and it’s important for everyone (volunteers, social workers, wards) to have only good impressions from interacting with the foundation.
And yes, I really started to think more about all the challenges that old age brings, especially in our country: insufficient financial support, external aggression from the enemy, many young people and children abroad, while the percentage of elderly people in society is overwhelming. I also realized the importance of building organizations that support the most vulnerable, including the elderly.
What advice would you give to those who want to try themselves as volunteers for the first time?
If you want to, try it! It doesn’t commit you to anything, but it will provide new experiences and emotions. And then you’ll understand how often you want and can help.