In Kharkiv, the Charitable 'Mama-Mobile' Assists 400 Families Monthly

The 'Mama-Mobile' initiative has emerged as a crucial lifeline for families in Kharkiv, delivering essential aid to approximately 400 families every month. Roman Maiboroda, the founder of a charitable foundation, shared insights about the project with a correspondent from Ukrinform. 'To receive assistance, mothers register by filling out a relevant form and uploading documents regarding their child. We can provide help to around 400 families each month. Of course, we see that the demand for such assistance is only growing, especially with the influx of displaced persons. We strive to optimally distribute the resources we manage to gather,' said Maiboroda.

The 'Mama-Mobile' project has been operational since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, existing for over three years under the auspices of a charitable foundation. 'We started spontaneously in March and April of 2022 when many residents left the city, and those who remained faced difficulties in accessing baby formula, medications, and essential food items,' Maiboroda recounted.

Currently, the project is funded by charitable foundations from Germany, Canada, the United States, and Poland. 'Each mother receives a support package that includes diapers, hygiene products, baby food, a toy, and some clothing items for the little ones. In monetary terms, this package is worth at least 2,000 UAH. Therefore, this is significant assistance. We have mothers with children with disabilities, wives of military personnel, single mothers with very low incomes, and internally displaced families,' Maiboroda explained.

Maria Yershova, a displaced person from Luhansk since 2014, gave birth to her first and long-awaited child in Kharkiv during the war. 'My daughter is one year and nine months old. We came here together. I registered and waited for my name in line. This is a very large and pleasant help for us because the prices of diapers are quite high,' the woman noted.

She is aware that her home in the currently occupied Sievierodonetsk has been destroyed. 'I was there in 2015... Now the apartment is damaged; it was hit directly. But the most precious thing you lose is the photographs; only memories and recollections remain,' Maria lamented.

The 'Mama-Mobile' project caters to children up to four years old. For older children, entertainment events are organized. 'This is another direction of our work. We named it 'Ha-ha-child.' Funds for the event in March were raised by our diaspora in France to provide the children with positive emotions during these challenging times,' Maiboroda highlighted.

In related news, Kherson recently received humanitarian aid from the Danish city of Silkeborg. The ongoing support for families in need underscores the resilience and solidarity of communities in the face of adversity.

Photo: Viacheslav Madiyevskyi / Ukrinform

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