The Couzeix sports complex dressed in blue and yellow for a day. It has been three months since the first Ukrainian families arrived in Haute-Vienne to flee the war in their country. If the first wave of emotion has passed, the inhabitants remain mobilized to help these families according to Kristine Kornienko, president of the Ukrainka association: “But we have to continue to be present, because we are just beginning to realize that this is a situation that will last a long time. We’re only just beginning to realize it’s reality.” So, with her association, she organizes mobilizations like that of this Saturday, May 28. Food-truck, flash-mob, solidarity race and charity concert, all the profits of which are donated to the Ukraïnka association, but also to the one that helps the homeless.
We also wanted those most in need, who are often forgotten, to be able to benefit from assistance. We were able to collect clothes, sleeping bags, explains Hervé Mérigaud, of the Miss Haute-Vienne Committee, co-organizer of the day
A marquee in tribute to dead children
Christina Smoliy, secretary of the Ukraïnka association, explains that a Ukrainian psychologist takes care of refugees whose morale is beginning to be severely affected by the situation: “There are children who don’t really understand what is going on and others who are depressed, who can no longer follow their studies. We try to carry out fun workshops, French lessons to help integrate, but for some it’s complicated. We’ve been changed forever by what we’re going through“.
– Anais Martin-Cauvy
These Ukrainian families continue to live to the rhythm of the war in their country. They think of the children who have died and who will no longer be able to fulfill their dreams. So, in homage, a marquee was set up for this day. Inside, a tree of life, “which symbolizes their lost life“explains Irina,”there is also a globe, to show where our country is. And then soft toys, drawings and outside, a path of children’s shoes that leads to the marquee. This is the path they should have taken, the path of their dreams“.
In this marquee, there are also smiling children who play away from the sun and the sound of music.