Solutions from Ukraine: 11 retired volunteer women in Volyn sew warm winter footwear for Ukrainian troops on front lines
These photos feature winter footwear that was handcrafted for the military by retired women in the town of Kivertsi. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk.
In the Volyn region, 11 retired volunteer women from the city of Kivertsi, Lutsk district, sew warm winter shoes for Ukrainian defenders on the front lines every day.
Volunteer Lidiia Vlasiuk told Suspilne about this.
What is the problem?
The lower the temperature, the more Ukrainian soldiers need warm clothes and means for warming – it is damp and cold in the dugouts and trenches.
The Ministry of Defense assured that the provision of Ukrainian defenders with winter equipment has been resolved. Orders for warm things are constantly being sewn up.
In addition, Western partners have promised to help Ukraine with this. But each of us can help make our defenders a little warmer.
What is the solution?
So, in Volyn, retired female volunteers from the city of Kivertsi, Lutsk district, sew warm winter footwear for Ukrainian defenders on the front line every day.
"Ukrainian fighters need warm clothes," the volunteer emphasized.
How does it work?
As Vlasiuk said, since the beginning of December last year, they have already sewn 180 pairs of burkas [warm winter footwear– ed.] for Ukraine's armed forces.
"We will sew because we need to help the boys. On the first day, the girls who sewed last year came to us.
They brought us patterns and gave us instructions on how to sew. Therefore, if there is a need for felts, contact us," she says.
A volunteer sews burkas. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk
As the woman said, the team consists of 11 retired women who sew burqas from old outerwear brought by those who care. Volunteers work in a small room of the Kivertsi Lyceum.
Eleven retired female volunteers sew burqas for the military in Kivertsi. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk
"A team was formed that works from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They worked on Saturday and Sunday until they learned while the process went on. Now we sew 10-11 pairs daily," says the volunteer.
A pair of footwear is sewn in an average of 40 minutes.
Pensioner Nadiia Pavlenko explained that all footwear is made approximately 40 centimeters long but in different sizes, starting from 42.
"We don't sew smaller ones; maybe someone needs a smaller one. If it's cold, you can come from your place of work and change into a larger felt. We mainly sew those in greater need," says the woman.
Vlasiuk mentioned that, along with the burkas, the volunteers are also distributing rubber galoshes. A fundraiser has been launched to buy them.
Pensioner Lidiia Vlasiuk from Kivertsy. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk
The volunteer also noted that they have only two sewing machines; they are not enough for work, so they ask those who care to help.
Now, the women of Kivertisi are sewing a new batch of footwear, which will soon be sent to the front line.
For reference:
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is working on providing the Armed Forces with body armor, helmets, tactical gear, clothing, and food that are all one hundred percent made in Ukraine.
