Volunteers are selfless people, many of whom have left their mundane professions to support the struggle for a peaceful future. Their actions inspire and remind us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit is capable of feats of heroism for the sake of higher ideals and the common good. Find out why Ukraine is considered one of the most charitable countries in the world and how you can get involved in volunteering yourself

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Every year on 20 April the world celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Day. On this day, humanity expresses gratitude to all those who have found the strength, courage and kindness to do good deeds without asking for anything in return.

From the very beginning of a full-scale war, Ukrainian citizens have been trying to help their army. Some do it with the help of finances, some help with physical work, and every fifth tries to do everything at once. We tell you how important volunteers are in Ukraine and how many of them there really are.

Volunteering is a voluntary activity, so everyone can help and not always the army. People can also help citizens affected by war, children and animals. 

Against the background of the widespread activity of volunteers in Ukraine, a special register has been created, which is so called - "Register of Volunteers". It had almost 7 thousand people at the end of 2023, most of whom registered in the registry in 2023, writes "Opendatabot". However, not all volunteers are registered in the register, just as not all those registered are actually volunteers.

Volunteering in Ukraine during the war

According to a survey by the Ilko Kucheriv Foundation for Democratic Initiatives, the majority of Ukrainians surveyed (61%) volunteered to help the Ukrainian Defence Forces or their fellow citizens.

About 10% - helped with physical work, 31% - financially, and almost 20% - with both money and work.

At the same time, about 15% of Ukrainians reported that they have not helped the army or displaced people, but intend to do so. At the same time, almost 18% of respondents have not been involved in such assistance and do not plan to do so.

Unfortunately, some Ukrainians abuse their volunteer status. As you know, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine there has been martial law and general mobilisation. In this regard, men liable for military duty cannot travel abroad. There are some exceptions. Back in 2022, the Shlyakh system was introduced for volunteers who bring humanitarian aid for the AFU from abroad, which would allow male drivers or volunteers to legally cross the border under martial law. The system was primarily created to eliminate corruption in the issuing of permits and to simplify border crossings.

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However, checks by law-enforcement agencies, including the NAACP, almost immediately after the system appeared, showed that it had become a loophole to avoid mobilisation for men of conscription age.

Thus journalists identified over 2,248 men who had travelled abroad under the permits of the Lviv OVO through the Shlyakh system intended for truckers and did not return, as well as 372 organisations involved in their transportation. 

How else are Ukrainians helping?

Ukraine ranked second in the world charity ranking in 2023. According to CAF, Ukraine has gained 13 points since 2022 and is being compared to a "real mountaineer". 

As we wrote before, many Ukrainians help each other financially and physically, and some people abroad, for example, simply talk about Ukraine and thus keep allies from forgetting about the war, which has been going on for more than two years. To remind about Ukraine, people also use various attributes, including things with Ukrainian symbols, which not only decorate the wardrobe, but also show support for the Ukrainian nation in every possible way. Such people automatically become ambassadors of Ukraine.

By the way, within the framework of support of Ukraine, the portal Visit Ukraine launched a unique project "Donat tours". It is designed to attract foreign tourists to travel to the de-occupied and frontline regions of southern Ukraine and give everyone the opportunity to become a volunteer and part of Ukraine's victory. Each donation tour is customised depending on the wishes and needs of the tourist, as well as the situation in a particular region at the time of travel.

As the war in Ukraine continues, volunteers play a key role in supporting those in difficult situations. These dedicated men and women, whose professions and ages may be as different as their motivations, are united by a common goal - to help their country. 

Thanks to their tireless efforts, many Ukrainians are receiving needed goods, medical care and psychological support. A special thanks is due to these heroes for their unwavering spirit and constant endeavour to make the world a better place, despite the personal risks and challenges they face every day. These volunteers don't just change lives, they preserve and strengthen the spirit of a nation.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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