As heavy fighting continues around the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a volunteer is risking his life to deliver presents to children living under Russian bombardment for Orthodox Christmas on January 7.
Christmas In Hell: Volunteer Delivers Presents To Ukrainian Children
- By Reuters
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Oleksandra, 3, waits at the door of her home for the arrival of a van delivering presents ahead of Orthodox Christmas in Bakhmut, in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Ukrainian officials say that nearly 60 percent of the city has been destroyed during the fierce fighting that continues to maim and kill its residents.
Ukrainian officials say that nearly 60 percent of the city has been destroyed during the fierce fighting that continues to maim and kill its residents.
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Piotr Kaszuwara, CEO and founder of the humanitarian aid organization UA Future, collected nearly 2,000 gifts from Poland that will be distributed to children throughout Ukraine.
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During a lull in shelling, Kaszuwara was able to hand out presents as Oleksandra and her sister Khrystyna, 4, waited patiently to receive theirs.
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Kaszuwara, a Polish native who moved to Kyiv after the war started, presented Anhelina, 6, with a bag of presents to choose from.
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As bystanders look on, Stanislav, 13, awaits his turn at the back of the van.
Kaszuwara started organizing humanitarian aid for Ukraine in 2014 while working as a journalist.
Kaszuwara started organizing humanitarian aid for Ukraine in 2014 while working as a journalist.
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Lyubov, 9, waits her turn with her grandfather.
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While Tymur, 4, views a box containing his presents.
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Volodymyr, 11, tears the packaging off his Christmas gift near the entry to an underground shelter.
Kaszuwara will be spending several days traveling around Ukraine delivering Christmas presents collected from international donors.
Kaszuwara will be spending several days traveling around Ukraine delivering Christmas presents collected from international donors.
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Oleksandra and her sister Khrystyna finally receive their Christmas presents.
In an interview with Polish media, Kaszuwara spoke of his desire to bring good memories to children who are facing the daily trauma of war.
In an interview with Polish media, Kaszuwara spoke of his desire to bring good memories to children who are facing the daily trauma of war.
