Іn 1985, at its 40th session, the UN General Assembly, in a special resolution, proposed that governments celebrate December 5 as the "International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development" (resolution No. A/RES/40/212), calling on them to take measures to encourage people in all fields of activity to offer their services as volunteers.
Волонтери – це люди, які добровільно, без примусу та матеріальної вигоди, допомагають іншим і працюють задля спільного блага. Сьогодні слово «волонтер» відоме всім, але має воно досить давнє походження. Термін походить від французького volontaire — «доброволець», і спершу використовувався для позначення людей, які за власним бажанням вступали до війська. Згодом це поняття набуло ширшого змісту і стало позначати будь-яку безоплатну суспільно корисну діяльність.
Volunteering appeared a long time ago. The idea of selfless help has existed as long as humanity has existed: in ancient communities, people supported each other through joint work. But organized volunteering began to take shape in the 19th century. In Europe, it actively developed after the emergence of international humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross. In the 20th century, the movement became global, and after the advent of the Internet, it became even more accessible - anyone can find the initiative and join.
Today, volunteers are the backbone of many social, charitable and public organizations. They help in the fields of medicine, education, social protection, crisis support, cultural events and many other areas. Volunteering has become especially important during crises - natural disasters, pandemics, military operations, etc. It is at such moments that it becomes obvious how significant the power of associations of caring people is.
For our foundation, volunteers are the heart of all activities. It is thanks to their energy, kindness and willingness to act that we can support those in need. Volunteers perform many important tasks:
- • They prepare delicious challah and other pastries to support people with the warmth of home-cooked food and give a piece of care and show how important each member of the Jewish community is.
- • They cook nutritious lunches that are distributed to the needy, displaced persons, and people in difficult circumstances.
- • They prepare energy bars that are so necessary for the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or knit warm socks, where every loop is knitted with love.
- • They help with repairs - from small household chores to serious restoration processes in the foundation's premises or in the homes of those who need it.
- Розвантажують гуманітарну допомогу, завдяки чому вона швидко та організовано потрапляє до адресатів.
- • They unload humanitarian aid, thanks to which it quickly and organizedly reaches the recipients. • They dance, sing, and get involved in organizing events - all this in order to bring joy to people.
All these actions are not just work done. They are a manifestation of humanity, solidarity and immense inner strength.
Volunteers change the lives of others, but at the same time they change their own lives. Their participation creates an atmosphere of trust and support, sets an example of active citizenship and inspires others to get involved.
Without volunteers, our foundation could not work so effectively and on such a large scale. They are part of our team, our support and our motivation to move forward.
Khmelnytskyi Charitable Foundation Hesed Besht welcomes everyone involved in volunteer activities!
