Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, together with DTEK and Metinvest, donated 10,000 food packages to labor veterans in Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
“The coronavirus epidemic hit the elderly hardest, including labor veterans. This is a special category of pensioners – people who worked hard for many years in the industrial field, sacrificed their health for the prosperity of Ukraine. Therefore, Rinat Akhmetov Foundation donated 10 thousand food packages for veterans of Donbass, a region that has remained the industrial heart of the country for many years,” said Irina Blazhan, director of projects and programs of the Foundation.
She added that labor veterans of Donetsk and Lugansk regions need help more than ever. Six years of life in an armed conflict affected the already poor health of thousands of elderly. Moreover, the epidemic and quarantine became another difficult test, especially for those who were left alone. Therefore, these people really wait for Rinat Akhmetov’s help.
“All food packages were delivered in May addressed, in compliance with all necessary quarantine standards,” said Irina Blazhan.
One of those who received Rinat Akhmetov’s support is labor veteran Vsevolod Kulik from Mariupol. At 88, a man will give odds to many young people: he is fond of photography, mastered Photoshop and teaches computer literacy to others. Because of quarantine, he had to forget about teaching and walking, which is especially depressing for a labor veteran. The Foundation’s action was a pleasant surprise for him.
“It’s nice that Rinat Akhmetov thinks about us. Especially now when older people are not even advised to open the street door,” said Vsevolod Kulik.
Rinat Akhmetov’s support was also delivered to labor veteran Lydia Prudka from Dobropillya. Relatives jokingly call her an energizer – even on the eve of the 80th anniversary, a woman literally does not sit idle for a minute. Although Lydia Semenovna had to work hard at the time, she worked at an enrichment plant. The quarantine slowed down the pace of her life a little – she strictly follows all security measures.
“Many thanks for the help that you do not forget and support us, pensioners. After all, now you don’t especially go shopping, the markets, we try to stay at home,” said Lidia Prudkaya.
The heart of the action to help labor veterans is one of the main principles of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s work: to help here and now those who need it most.