Vokathon in Kropyvnytskyi 2026

From April 23 to 26, Kropyvnytskyi became a place where the community, volunteers, and partners united around a common goal - strengthening resilience and self-sufficiency through volunteer activities. It was here that another "Vokathon" took place - an event that transformed several days into a true marathon of good deeds, learning, and unity.

Initially, 55 volunteers were expected to participate, but reality exceeded expectations: 62 participants joined the initiative, including 47 guests from other cities and 15 local volunteers. Particularly valuable was the fact that more local young people wanted to join than anticipated. This demonstrates the growing motivation, engagement, and activity within the community.

The event's partners included the Jewish Community of Kropyvnytskyi, the Hesed Shaarei Zion Charitable Foundation, the city's Jewish Religious Community, and the Chyzhevskyi Regional Scientific Library. Together, they created a space where volunteering became not only a form of assistance but also a strategic resource for community development.

Over the course of several days, participants completed 10 important tasks:

• provided assistance to 5 elderly community members, improving their living conditions and ensuring quality support;

• cleaned the territory of the Jewish cemetery;

• painted 55 m² of walls in the regional library;

• improved two courtyards for community events;

• conducted meetings with experts to develop the professional skills of the local team.

The "Vokathon" became a catalyst for the development of the local community and its capacity for self-organization. The event strengthened support for vulnerable groups, reinforced the volunteer movement, increased participants' motivation and cohesion, contributed to the professional development of the local team and leaders, and provided the community with new knowledge and tools for future work. At the same time, the event served as a platform for uniting the city's Jewish organizations, helped improve infrastructure for community activities, strengthened cooperation between the community and municipal institutions, and increased the community's visibility within the city.

The event has ended, but its results will continue to inspire and multiply volunteer initiatives for a long time, as this is how the synergy of good deeds is created. For example, special cushions for an elderly man with a disability who had lost an arm were sent by volunteers from Chernivtsi immediately after the event ended. Or the new initiatives that started operating in the local volunteer center the very next day after the "Vokathon." And, of course, the clean Jewish cemetery, the restoration of which had long been a dream of the entire community.

The "Vokathon" in Kropyvnytskyi became a story of unity, responsibility, and the power of volunteering. It demonstrated that a community is capable not only of responding to urgent needs but also of laying the foundation for long-term development and resilience.

"I sincerely thank the organizers for the opportunity to participate in these wonderful volunteer projects! As a participant in several team initiatives, I would especially like to highlight the warm atmosphere and true teamwork. Special thanks to everyone who welcomed us in Kropyvnytskyi - for their sincerity, hospitality, and care. It was a great honor for me to be part of these important initiatives. I hope that what we accomplished together over these days brought joy to people and once again reminded them that life goes on and that there is always room for kindness. Thank you to everyone I had the chance to work with, talk to, and make new friends with." - Olena K., Mykolaiv

"These days were a true discovery for me. I saw how volunteering can transform spaces and people's lives. We worked together, supported one another, and it felt like one big family. Thank you to the organizers for the opportunity to become part of this movement." - Maryna B., Lutsk

"The 'Vokathon' gave me new experience and inspiration. I felt that even a small contribution can make a big difference. It was incredibly valuable to see how the community united around a common cause. It gives hope that we can change the world for the better." - Iryna P., Kyiv

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible team of volunteers. They faced a challenging task, but the girls handled it with exceptional professionalism. Without being asked, they put the apartment in order: washed the windows, cleaned the baseboards and refrigerator, removed old wallpaper, prepared the walls, and hung new wallpaper. Everything was done with care, kindness, and understanding. The apartment became brighter and more comfortable. I sincerely thank the volunteers who bring warmth and joy to our elderly neighbors." - Larysa Ya., Kropyvnytskyi, beneficiary.