Volunteers
Daniel - Founder of Light and Love Home in Poland from Seattle, USA
I grew up in the East, have never visited Europe, and don't understand Ukrainian or Polish. However, after the Russia-Ukraine war began, in March 2022, I, along with a few volunteers, went to Krakow and drove to the Polish border to understand the situation of Ukrainian refugees. Seeing elderly women and children wandering with tears in their eyes, some carrying only two large plastic bags, which were all their belongings, stirred a deep sense of compassion in me. Our volunteer team discussed how to address their housing and food needs. Miraculously, within about a week, we found a four-story hotel for sale. We decided to rent it first and then purchase it, immediately providing several refugee families with accommodation. Seeing the elderly women, young children, and women finding a place to stay moved me profoundly and made me truly understand the meaning of "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
We promptly registered a non-profit organization in Poland and established a Ukrainian reception center. The first center quickly became full, so we rented two or three more hotels to serve as temporary reception centers.
I discovered that love exists in the world, with batches of volunteers coming from various places to help, and fundraising resolved the costs of renting and purchasing the hotels. Initially, I planned to stay for one or two months to start this charitable work, but before I knew it, I had stayed for over two years. I am very happy to have helped establish two non-profit organizations and purchase two properties to serve as reception centers. I am even happier to see some Ukrainian refugees finding jobs, renting apartments for themselves, and participating in English classes and cooking classes, their faces showing renewed hope.
Community service has developed rapidly. We have also started after-school programs in several Polish schools, continuously rented community halls for carnival events, and held parent-child classes for Poles and Ukrainians on Saturdays, with joy constantly ringing in our ears.
People might view my retirement age, yet I am able to extend a helping hand to those in need and serve the community. This is indeed my blessing.
Judy from Hong Kong
Knowing such a great demands in needs during the Russo-Ukrainian war, i wonder what else i could offer in addition of praying and donation. This year, i quit my full-time teaching position and went to Poland as a volunteer. I am here to help organizing different interest classes and fellowship. The activities provided good opportunities for Ukrainian to adapt to the community and meet new friends. I am grateful to be part of the team to service Ukrainian and Polish community.
Cheryl from New York, USA
Hi, my name is Cheryl. I am from New York. I volunteered for Light and Love Home, Poland for two weeks in August 2024. It was a wonderful experience. I met with volunteers from different places of the world, such as Hong Kong, Seattle, Vancouver, and Costa Rica. Each of us brought forth our talents and passion to give and share with the communities in Krakow, Poland. We especially outreached to the Ukrainian immigrants. Through the summer day camp program, English class, cooking class, and outing events, we provided to the immigrants meaningful skills, laughter and care. In return, we have gained beautiful bonding in trust with everyone who came to us even despite our language barriers. I believe that the work being done through Light and Love Home, Poland will bring forth a positive and enduring impact to the communities in Poland and I look forward to the next opportunity of volunteering again.
John from Hong Kong
We wanted to come to Poland and be a volunteer because the war broke out. We felt people really were in need especially for those who were seperared with their family.
We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to meet our Ukrainian friends and work alongside them in repairing the hostel. We are equally grateful to the kind Polish friends and families who have supported us as we serve the community together.
We've truly experienced the meaning of the saying, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' We've also witnessed the growth in children when they were encouraged to take part in helping organize the fun fair.