password last year “help” could be associated mainly with numerous charity campaigns aimed at citizens of the attacked Ukraine. However, it is also worth remembering about the thousands of families living beyond our eastern border, who maintain the Polish language and cultural identity. Every year, the “Past-Future” association in Puławy takes care of a nice gesture towards them, coordinating the collection of gifts for our compatriots from the east.
– Last year, because of the war, this help was not large. That is why I am even more pleased that the interest in our fundraiser is already very high. So far, 45 entities, including many schools, have confirmed their participation in the preparation of gifts. Let me remind you that we collect money not only in the Puławy district, but also in Ryki, Opole, Lubartów, as well as in Kraśnik and Parczew – says Artur Kwapiński, president of the association.
What do you need? The parcels will receive mainly food with a long shelf life, such as pasta, groats, rice, tinned food, coffee, tea, cocoa, powdered milk or sweets. We also need books with Polish literature (also for children) and cuddly toys. In Puławy, gifts to the seat of the association at Czartoryski 8 will be available until the end of March. Next month, all items will be sorted and put into parcels.
– In May, we will take them all to Ukraine with a convoy of buses. Each package will go to a separate family. For these people, our compatriots, not only the support itself is important, but above all contact and conversation with volunteers from Poland. They really appreciate that someone remembers them – explains Artur Kwapiński.
This year, due to the policy pursued by Alexander Lukashenko, the parcels will not go to Poles living in Belarus. The organizers of the action are afraid of potential reprisals that could affect the beneficiaries. More information about the fundraiser can be found on the association’s website and by phone. 508 377 655.
