Vinnytsia hosted the National Volunteer Assembly of the Ukrainian Red Cross

“Volunteering changes the world. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, it has rapidly developed in Ukraine, and I am convinced that this culture must be supported and developed systematically. Due to the large-scale and spontaneous nature of volunteering, many people did not fully understand its essence at the outset. That is why it is important to effectively communicate its value and attract new participants. Volunteering should focus on providing targeted assistance. Each of us has a calling to volunteer; we just need to find it and develop it,” says Vira Sokol, volunteer leader at the Chernihiv branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross in Korop.

From 3 to 6 December, Vinnytsia hosted the National Volunteer Assembly of the Ukrainian Red Cross, an annual event that provides an opportunity to recognise the most active volunteers in society, meet like-minded people, gain new knowledge, and assess the prospects for the development of volunteering.

This year, more than 80 volunteers from Ukrainian Red Cross branches across all regions of Ukraine exchanged experiences, improved their skills in assisting people with varying levels of vulnerability, and were inspired for further fruitful work. One of the Assembly’s goals was also to elect a new board for the National Volunteer Commission, a body composed of volunteers that influences decision-making on the development of society at the national level.

The mission of the Ukrainian Red Cross is to promote charity and demonstrate that help is needed at all times, as exemplified by our volunteers.