Holiday Support for Children of Siversk

Darya Lavinskaya/Adobe Stock

November 21, 2024 | by Ted Craft

Mayor Alexei Vorobyov of Siversk, Ukraine expressed deep gratitude for Weston’s ongoing assistance in a call with First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor on November 13.

“Trust me, everyone here knows who is helping us,” said Mr. Vorobyov.

If all goes well, Weston residents may have a chance to meet the mayor in a few months. The prospect of a visit was discussed on the call by Ms. Nestor, Mr. Vorobyov, and leaders of Ukraine Aid International, who created the Sister City Partnership program. Ms. Nestor has extended a formal invitation.

Much of Weston’s support has been dedicated to the children of Siversk, which Mr. Vorobyov said “helps us use our own resources to meet other needs and defend our city.”

Weston donations have funded camp retreats that give children respite from war and a chance to reconnect with teachers and classmates long-separated and dispersed to safer parts of the country.

Right now, funds are also being raised for a simple but meaningful gesture: a holiday present for 770 Siversk children. Ms. Nestor estimates that, after a start from a private donor, about $4,000 is still needed to purchase the gifts.

Donations, which can be made here, will also help fund another series of children’s camps this summer.

Ms. Nestor suggested an additional way to show affection and support for the Ukrainian children during the holidays.

You can personally sign a holiday card for one of the children on Thursday evening, December 5^th at Weston’s Holiday Music Festival and tree lighting event. It starts at 5:00 on the Town Green. Last year’s festival was a huge hit.

Ongoing support

In addition to the children’s camps, Weston donations so far have helped Siversk by providing equipment, supplies, health services, and a critically needed transport van.

The van, which delivers medicine, food, and aid, was damaged in September (for the second time) by cluster munitions. It is currently being repaired, but Mr. Vorobyov said Siversk does not have the $4,500 needed to replace a bulletproof windshield. Shortly after the call, a Weston citizen privately donated that amount.

UAI holiday party

Ukraine Aid International holds a holiday party of its own on Sunday afternoon, December 8. Everyone is invited, families are welcome, and it’s free.

The party takes place from 1:00 to 5:00 in Black Rock at Redline Restoration, 2475 Fairfield Avenue. Food and drink will be provided. You can enjoy a silent auction of items donated by local vendors and gaze lovingly at beautifully restored antique cars.

The party benefits UAI’s work on the front lines in Ukraine supporting sister cities of seven Fairfield County cities and towns:

Weston and Siversk.
Westport and Lyman.
Easton and Sviatohirsk.
Fairfield and Kostiantynivka.
Ridgefield and Druzhkivka.
Greenwich and Izyum.
Stamford and Kramatorsk.

Holiday Support for Children of Siversk

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