Volunteering in the Face of Adversity

Good Deeds Day is the global day of doing good that makes a positive impact on the lives of people around the world.  Established in 2007, in just one country – Israel – the day has grown tremendously over the years. Now in its 19 th year, millions of volunteers in 115 countries participate around the world.

One of the places where the Good Deeds Day (GDD) is having a major impact is in Ukraine, according to a statement from the organization. Even with the ongoing war with Russia, now in its third year, the efforts of the Volunteer Community — network of volunteers that brings supportive programming to 25 cities throughout Ukraine – have had a profound impact on the quality of life and has given people hope that even in the darkest of times, kindness and solidarity shines bright.

“All of us together have the power to lead the world to a better place, each in their own way and according to their heart’s desire,” said Shari Arison, philanthropist, businesswoman, and the founder of GDD.

“It is heartwarming to see the outpour of responses from people across the globe who extend a helping hand at this time, in any way possible, either face-to-face or by faming on social media, and in numerous other ways that do good for the benefit of others, “Arison said.

Changed Circumstances
In 2022, when the war began, the Volunteer Community had to seriously adapt its approaches and goals, according to Daria Yefimenko, the volunteer community coordinator of JDC. She told Goodnet: “Probably the key point in the fact that we were able to do this quite quickly and effectively was the existence of an established management structure for the volunteer network.

“In less than a week after the start of the crisis, we were able to open hubs that received refugees, organize hotlines, coordinate volunteers to help with evacuations, and organize work in warehouses and the delivery of food and medicine. It was a challenging time, but it provided extraordinary experience for volunteers and volunteer center coordinators that we still use today.”

These projects that emerged during these grim times were often initiated by people who were displaced from their homes and without support. They found a sense of control by volunteering and helping others by organizing counseling sessions, delivering food – often on bicycles – and by providing professional services. According to Yefimenko, “By helping others to escape and survive, they were also saving themselves!”

In 2023, after adapting to the changed circumstances, the Volunteer Community was able to expand the  work it began to help refugees and to bring back the pre-war programs that worked well. 

Making a Big Impact in 2024

In 2024, the Volunteer Centers around Ukraine came together to organize and support 487 events that helped to provide kindness and assistance to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations, the elderly.

Elderly people in the country are suffering from isolation and ageism. To counteract that, 1402 volunteers contributed 6028 volunteer hours to helping people receive the necessary help and support. Another project helped socialize animals that are waiting to be adopted and collected pet food.

Volunteers also worked on other projects that aided at-risk children, people with disabilities, and people who have been displaced from their homes due to the war. Other projects included cleaning up city areas, cemeteries, and other communal areas by collecting over 2350 kg of trash. Over 380 trees were planted along with scrubs and flowers to help the environment and to preserve eco-systems.

Looking Forward to GDD 2025
With GDD just around the corner on April 6, this year’s mission is even more vital. With the war entering its third year, there has been a decline in economic opportunities including impoverishment and food insecurity.

“This year, as part of the Day of Good Deeds campaign, we want to strengthen our regular food security activity and draw the public’s attention to the fact that the crisis in the country has touched everyone, especially the elderly, not only with danger, but also, to a large extent, in the basic necessities of life,” said Yefimenko  

“Today, when we talk about food provision for the elderly on their pensions – we definitely cannot talk about quality and healthy nutrition. It is, rather, nutrition. to survive.”

The plan is to have 30 volunteer centers (at least 1500 volunteers) of the network in Ukraine with each center implementing their own initiatives under the common umbrella. This will help thousands of people in need receive quality food packages and draw attention to this food insecurity crisis. Working together will help defeat the darkness and make the world a better place.