At NIBULON, people take responsibility not only for their own work but also for what’s happening around them. Valerii is one of those who have turned caring into real action to support those who defend our country every day .
Valerii’s volunteer journey began back in 2014, when russia occupied Crimea. At that time, many people helped intuitively, without clear algorithms or experience, driven by a sincere desire to support others. As he recalls: “Back then, everyone helped in whatever way they could. I clearly remember the pilots from Belbek – they risked their lives flying helicopters from Crimea to Mykolaiv and arrived with literally nothing. Apartments, belongings – everything was left behind. We couldn’t stand aside, so we helped however we could, so they could at least begin to rebuild their lives.”
With the start of the full-scale war, the need to support the army grew more than ever. People united, doing everything possible to help. Numerous foundations, volunteer initiatives, and fundraising campaigns emerged. At the same time, issues of trust, responsibility, and transparency became increasingly critical.
For Valerii, these principles are fundamental. He communicates directly with troops, learns about their real needs, and makes sure that every item or donation reaches its intended recipients: “I try to help only those I communicate with directly, because there are many scammers and people who collect money for personal gain. I don’t want to be part of such schemes and don’t advise anyone to do so. I never open a fundraiser until I’ve personally verified that the support will reach those on the front line.”
When asked what motivates him to keep going and continue helping even when not all fundraisers are completed successfully and when energy and resources run low – Valerii gives a short but powerful answer:
“When it feels hard for us here, I think about the guys on the front line -it’s much harder for them. At that moment, all my personal problems fade into the background.”
Sharing his experience, Valerii willingly offers advice to those who are only considering volunteering. He believes that true help does not start with fundraising, but with understanding real needs and maintaining direct communication: “You need to clearly understand who you are helping and what they truly need. It’s important to stay in touch with people you trust, communicate directly with the military, and ask about their needs. Conversations always reveal the real challenges they face. Sometimes help doesn’t have to be something big — buying coffee, sweets, and sending them to the guys so they feel support and a small sense of celebration can mean a lot.”
This awareness of the real needs of those on the front line drives Valerii to act. He understands that not everyone has direct contact with the military or experience in volunteering. That is why he takes responsibility for organizing fundraisers, giving others a simple and clear way to support the army.
“Many people want to help but don’t know where to start — who to contact or how to deliver support, because they don’t have direct connections with the military. That’s exactly why I organize fundraisers — so everyone who wants to support can do so.”
For Valerii, helping is not a situational choice or an obligation dictated by circumstances. It is a matter of conscience and memory — memory of those who risk their lives every day so that we can work, plan, and simply live in our own country. This understanding is the foundation of every decision he makes to keep going.
“We must all remember the men and women who defend our land. Thanks to them, we are still able to work for Ukraine. Because if you don’t feed your own army, you will end up feeding enemies.”
Also read the story of our veteran Ivan Barba, an agronomist at the Prybuzhanivska branch.
