Since the start of the conflict, the charity Sota, based in the town of Vinnytsia, southwest of kyiv in Ukraine, has been working to raise funds and donations. Since 2023, the Puy-de-Dôme association Acting together for Ukraine (AEPU) has been providing equipment and food.
In the darkness of the association's garage, nestled between the numerous donation boxes, Olexandr operates with the tiniest attention to detail. He fills the different kettles placed on electric hotplates one after the other. The Ukrainian volunteer does not prepare tea or coffee. No, paraffin is simmering inside the containers.
116 kg of candles for the trenches and the inhabitants
Next to him, boxes filled with candles. And placed on a coffee table, dozens of cans of tuna, sardines, corn, green beans… Each one was previously decorated with the drawings of children from schools in the region.
Inside these boxes are rolled up strips of cardboard. This small production consists of “long-lasting” candles, once the Ukrainian has filled them with paraffin and melted wax. Once dry, they will head to the trenches, as close as possible to the combat. But also housing for civilians who remained at home near the front despite the Russian threat.
Once there, the candles will be placed in small portable scrap metal stoves. This will allow soldiers and residents to heat themselves, but also to cook their meals.
premium How this association from Puy-de-Dôme continues its humanitarian mission in Ukraine
For a year, Sota has been one of the Ukrainian partners of AEPU (Acting together for Ukraine). During this 21st convoy, in October 2024, the Puydômoise association delivered 116 kg of candles. These tens of kilos of candles, donated by the basilica of Orcival and the parish of Saint-Emphrem de la Serre de Saint-Amand-Tallende, traveled to Vinnytsia. Some 2,500 km from Puy-de-Dôme.In its humanitarian suitcases, the AEPU did not take just that. The boxes are gradually piling up in the Sota room: Baby food jars, hygiene products, diapers, cans… That's not all. Medical equipment is also delivered: walkers, crutches, wheelchairs.
“We have a list with people’s needs and we will distribute this to our various partners and to those in need, nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages, etc.”
Alona Skaletska (President of the Sota association)
If the reunion between French and Ukrainian volunteers was already very warm, when it was time to leave, the hugs became longer. More supported. It is with tears in their eyes, but with a light heart, that the assembly says goodbye. But above all see you soon.
Julien Moreau (in Ukraine)
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