Dear sponsor,
my name is Serhii, and I am 5 months old. I was born in a nice town, where I have been living. I hope that I will be able to appreciate all the beauty of our town, including our beautiful parks when I grow up a bit. The first place I would like to go to is a playground. I hope winter will be as nice as the summer, but a bit colder. I spend my spare time sleeping or looking at different toys. I drink my mother’s milk, eat puree, and soup. I hope we will make friends with you and our friendship will last many years. I am looking forward to your answer.
Yours,
Serhii
Caseworker’s comments:
Meet Serhii, a precious and joyful 5-month-old baby who finds immense happiness in the company of his mother and siblings. As he eagerly explores the world around him, he delights in listening to songs and dancing along. Currently, he’s learning to crawl, sit up on his own, and roll over. His older siblings play a remarkable role in caring for him and supporting their mother, Mariia.
Mariia is on maternity leave, receiving only 860 UAH in government aid, which is approximately $29 CAD. Tragically, Serhii’s father died serving Ukraine in the war, leaving Mariia a widow. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Mariia is dedicated to fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother, striving to keep her children clean and cared for.
The family has faced numerous hardships since losing the head of their household. Initially, they lived in an abandoned house before moving to a dormitory, where rent and utilities were covered by Serhii’s father. After he went to war and was reported missing, Mariia experienced a premature birth, necessitating an emergency Caesarian section to save both her and Serhii. Weakened by the ordeal, Mariia struggled to come to terms with their new reality and could not work, leaving the family without money for food, clothing, or medicine. Eventually, they were evicted from the dormitory due to an inability to pay rent. In a moment of desperate hope, kind neighbors allowed them to stay in their summer kitchen, on the condition that they keep the space clean. The owners are currently abroad, and Mariia is incredibly grateful for this temporary shelter.
Despite the severe circumstances, Mariia and her children work hard to maintain their living space. The critical need for the family is a permanent home, as their current accommodation is far from suitable. The summer kitchen they live in is moldy and cold, causing frequent illness among the children. The walls need painting, the tiles need renovation, and while there are carpets on the walls to protect them from the wind, the conditions are still harsh. The room houses three beds and a small kitchen area, which is not conducive to healthy living. Mariia’s greatest concern is the uncertainty of their situation, fearing they may end up on the streets. The family urgently needs a new apartment or house to provide a safe and stable environment for Serhii and his siblings. Despite their struggles, Mariia remains hopeful and thankful for any help they receive, striving to do her best for her children each day.
