Ivano-Frankivsk Drama Theater became a place where people forced to leave their homes because of the war were cared for. Since the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine, the NGO “Frankivsk Drama Theater” has helped the military, people currently under occupation, and refugees who moved to the city.
“The uniqueness of our initiative is that we are a theater, we are actors. In addition to food packages, we give people something more – joy, peace, support, and a sense of home. Even in moments of tiredness, we know how to hide negative emotions. It was enough negative emotions for those who left everything to escape the war,” says Nadiya Levchenko, theater actress and volunteer at the coordination headquarters.
In almost 5 months of operation, the theater packed and handed over “family kits” to 13,000 people who needed support. The work of the coordination center is continuous: its doors are open to visitors in between performances, rehearsals, and readings of plays. Thanks to the Shelter Ukraine program, the team formed 458 food packages and 300 hygiene kits, which were distributed to people who were forced to move to safer areas of the country.
“I am reassured by the fact that I can be useful in some way, help somewhere, comfort someone. Sometimes it is challenging when people thank you with tears in their eyes for a minimal hygiene set, and sometimes they cheer you up with chocolate or sweets and motivate you to work further. Then you realize that you didn’t live this day in vain,” theater actress Ivanka Sirko adds.
Note. The “Shelter Ukraine” project supports social initiatives that solve the humanitarian problems of the civilian population in conditions of war. Since February 28, the initiative has helped more than 22,000 Ukrainians. Together with our partners, we have already equipped 71 shelters, having purchased the necessary household appliances, bedding, personal hygiene products, and medicines. You can find out more using the hashtag #shelterukrainecampaing.
