Vazira Omelchenko, Dnipro region: “Volunteering is open to all who have a kind heart and a desire to help”

Vazira Omelchenko is almost 80 years old and has decades of experience as a deputy chief accountant. She has always been deeply involved in community life and is eager to support those around her.

Vazira came to the Ukrainian Red Cross after seeing an announcement calling for volunteers. She simply read it — and immediately went to find out more. What won her over was the warm welcome offered to prospective volunteers and the atmosphere of mutual respect. In this way, her inner calling grew into action.

Today, she helps distribute humanitarian aid, manages the clothing and footwear bank, guides people on how to complete feedback forms, and — just as importantly — spends time talking with those seeking assistance. Vazira reassures, supports, and finds the right words to help people stay afloat. For her, volunteering is not just about packages and supplies; it is primarily about human contact and care.

What she enjoys most is seeing people leave after receiving help from the volunteers, a little calmer than when they arrived. She says she finds great joy in working with people and genuinely cares about each individual.

Vazira is convinced that volunteering is not about age. It is for anyone with a kind heart and a desire to help. She herself is a living example that you can assist others at any stage of life — you just need to take the first step.