We are Lions Natalija and Philipp Blobel from Augsburg, Germany, and this is our story of the Lions program “Help for Ukraine.” We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight the critical work being done by Lions to support the Ukrainian people in their time of need.
The War in Ukraine
For more than one year, the continent of Europe has been at war. As Lions, we face tragedy through our humanitarian work. Our program “Help for Ukraine” has rescued more than 200 Ukrainians and assists them with accommodations, care and a sense of belonging in the first month after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Furthermore, our Lions club in Augsburg has carried out 10 humanitarian missions with support from two continents, delivering aid worth €440,000, focusing on medical assistance and water infrastructure.
Rebuilding Lives
We understand that rebuilding lives requires more than physical resources – it requires emotional support and a sense of community. We are proud to work hand in hand with our fellow Lions and the local Ukrainian community to create a safe haven for these brave individuals.
One of these individuals was a young mother named Angelika and her then two-year-old son who barely managed to escape from a suburb of Kyiv. She had nothing with her except the clothes on her body and the little boy in her arms. Alone and frightened, marked by fate and the horrors of war, they arrived in our city.
In Augsburg, we were able to take care of them and provide more than just four walls in which they could feel safe. Together with our fellow Lion members and the local community, we ensured that this young mother and her child received a familial environment where they could start healing and rebuilding their lives. We connected them with people who spoke their language and understood their culture, creating a support network to help them through the difficult transition.
Early Recovery
In Mykolaiv, a Ukrainian city close to Kherson in the southeastern part of Ukraine, we have also turned our attention to the issue of early recovery. We are now investing more than €230,000 to restore the city’s water infrastructure until the end of May. This is only possible due to the generous support of Lions Clubs International Foundation. The importance of clean, accessible water cannot be overstated, as it is vital to the health and well-being of the population. By addressing this critical need, we are helping to pave the way for the city’s recovery and a brighter future.
Striving to Do More
One of our humanitarian missions was carried out in the city of Kherson only 11 days after the de-occupation of the Russian troops last November. There, we witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of war. Through artillery fire, we delivered medical devices as well as water and food supplies to the civilian population living near the frontlines. We were only 400 meters away from Russian troops, making it the most dangerous situation in our year of humanitarian work. Tragically, one person lost their life that day in Kherson.
The people we encountered were emotionally disturbed, and all had a distinct odor due to their inability to maintain proper hygiene during the war. Despite their harrowing experiences, their resilience and determination were evident, which inspired us to push forward with our efforts and expand our reach.
It was during this mission that we met a young man, gaunt and hollow-eyed, who had been waiting patiently in line for food. As we handed out the last food parcel to an elderly woman, the young man realized that nothing would be left for him. He looked at me with an emotionless expression, uttered a quiet “thank you,” lowered his head and walked away.
This heart-wrenching moment in Kherson remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for compassion, support and dedication to rebuilding lives torn apart by conflict. The young man’s resigned acceptance of his fate will stay with us, driving us to continue our humanitarian efforts, always striving to do more for those in need.
The Generosity of Lions
Our humanitarian missions to Ukraine have shown us the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in times of crisis. Each of our 10 missions has been a testament to the power of unity and compassion as we have witnessed people from all walks of life coming together to provide aid and support to those in need.
We are humbled by the generosity and dedication of our fellow Lions, as well as the countless volunteers and organizations that have joined us in our endeavors. Together, we have made a significant impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
A New Lions Club Is Formed
Unfortunately, this war has also shown that peace in Europe cannot yet be taken for granted. That is why we are in the process of chartering a new Lions club in our hometown that focuses on international understanding and peace work. One of our charter members was born in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Today, he is a doctor at a hospital in our hometown.
All children have the right to a chance for a better future, a safe environment and the right to live in peace. Lions International is the perfect volunteer organization to help with this. We are politically neutral, working in more than 200 countries and geographic areas worldwide. Kindness knows no skin color, religion or worldview. We are all humans, equal and interested in building a better future for our children.
We are proud to be part of this global community, and we will continue to stand with the people in need in Ukraine, offering our unwavering support and commitment to their recovery and future prosperity. Lions are there, where the needs are.
Watch the full playlist: Lions Bring Ukrainian Refugees to Safety
More Resources:
Lions Respond to Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
LCIF Grants Support for Ukrainian Refugees
Start a New Club
Natalija and Philipp Blobel are members of the Augsburg-Elas Holl Lions Club in Germany.
