NGO “Maksymivka Initiative” Delivered Humanitarian Consignment from French and Italian communities

For the second time, non-governmental organization “Maksymivka Initiative” (Zbarazh district) brought humanitarian aid for our defenders from foreign supporters. The Volunteer Centre of TNMU has already sent the first shipment for the needs of soldiers and military hospitals. This time (June 30, 2022), 200 kg of medicines and 500 kg of medical supplies were received.

“There are many of our compatriots in France who have been living there for a long time. They created an effective diaspora in order to help Ukraine, and were actively involved in the work from the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russia. Later, they created the Vernon-Ternopil Association, which includes Ukrainians born in different cities of our country. Oleksandra Hul was born in Maksymivka (Ternopil Region), and her husband, Oleksandr Avksentiev, is from Moldova. They became proactive activists and united others around them. The couple started bringing humanitarian aid to us. Thanks to Ms. Oleksandra, this organization is associated with Ternopil. Together with the French, Ukrainians collect medicines, food products, and military equipment. In addition, they are already planning to take an active part in the reconstruction of Ukraine, to organize joint cultural projects. We want the end of the war and the beginning of a new stage of cooperation,” Nadiia Tlumatska, Deputy Head of NGO “Maksymivka Initiative”, said.

According to her, Oleksandr Avksentiev visited Ternopil region twice together with the president of the Association Micale Patrick and its spokesperson Ledda Eric. Nadiia Tlumatska added that the representatives of the Association often come to Ukraine. Vernon-Ternopil Association cooperates with the non-governmental organization “Maksymivka Initiative” (the village of Maksymivka is located in Zbarazh district). Members of the Association are business people, real estate agents, and those connected to the government.

“In addition, we have close contacts with the Oleshchuk family from Vyshchi Lubianky, who live in Italy. They also often bring humanitarian aid for our military. Moreover, local people and farmers make a lot of effort to provide the defenders at the front with everything they need. For example, farmer Bohdan Hryhorashchuk has been helping our soldiers since 2014. Mykhailo Khomyshak, a farmer and head of our organization, is an active volunteer and philanthropist,” said Nadiia Tlumatska.

“It is very important for all of us that Ukraine united Ukrainians and the world. We are grateful for the support of our French and Italian friends,” expressed his appreciation Mykhailo Khomyshak, the Head of NGO “Maksymivka Initiative”.

TNMU Press Secretary, Yanina Chaikivska.

Photographs by Mykola Vasylechko.