During the first two days of the war, it was amazement for many Ukrainians and in particular Christina Smoliy who has lived for almost 6 years in France in Panazol in the suburbs of Limoges. Corn now is the time for action and solidarity towards his compatriots who bear the full brunt of the invasion of the Russian army. Coming from a region in western Ukraine where 150,000 people are trying to leave the country, Christina and her new Ukrainian friends from Limousin, who are already very active in collecting donations, have also launched a Facebook appeal to host families.
Already many positive responses
“We decided to create an email address ([email protected]) to collect data from people who want to become foster families. We need the name, where they are from, how many people they can accommodate, if they have cats or dogs in relation to allergies and babies, what languages they speak, and for how long and under what conditions they can accommodate“explains this 26-year-old woman. It is already working beyond expectations.. In a few days, more than a 20th of families responded favorably. From Limousin and beyond. A mayor of a town in the Gers even contacted him.
Offer them French lessons and also see their psychological state
Christina does not know when the first refugees will arrive. She hopes that the heavyweights who have just left Limoges with food will return with some of her compatriots present at the border. Waiting for, she will create an association of Ukrainians from Limoges, Ukraine. To structure their network and help future refugees as best as possible. “To welcome people, to accompany them. To offer them French lessons and also see their psychological state, on a case-by-case basis. Maybe this association will make it possible to structure all that“says Christina.
Need duvets, warm clothes and canned goods
Self-employed in digital communication, Christina is also very active in collecting donations. Winter is always harsh in Ukraine where there is a need for duvets and warm clothes in good condition, but also canned goods when food is already lacking. A mobilization at all times that allows him to face: “the first two days we were shocked. I could not do anything. Afterwards, it helped me a lot when we mobilized with the other Ukrainians. Psychologically, it relieved me. It’s the least we can do to help the Ukrainians.”