Metinvest Group continues to provide psychological and health rehabilitation to children in the Carpathians as part of Rinat Akhmetov's humanitarian initiative, Saving Lives. 16 children of Metinvest's employees – who were either killed in the war defending the country, taken captive, went missing, or returned to the company's enterprises after demobilisation – spent eight unforgettable days at the Synevyr Camp for children in Zakarpattia during the autumn break.
With an "Indian summer" at its peak, girls and boys rested, recovered, and recharged. The recreation programme included excursions, hikes, and sports competitions. The children hiked to Synevyr Lake, visited Shypit Waterfall and Hymba Mountain, explored a petting zoo to observe animals in the natural environment of the national nature park, and much more.
Tina Fedin, aged 13, had never been to the Zakarpattia before, and she was truly captivated by the experience. For Tina, the biggest thrill was the Halloween celebration she had prepared for. And the beauty of the Carpathians and the legend about Synevyr Lake made a lasting impression on her. Tina's father, who worked at Northern Iron Ore before the war, is now defending Ukraine.
"I am very grateful to Metinvest and the organisers for the experience. Children were thrilled, with daily excursions, entertainment, discos, ropes courses, and Halloween celebration. It was an incredibly emotional experience. My child came back full of excitement and feeling very uplifted", says Alla FEDIN, the defender's wife.
Stanislav Zbyshko worked at Inhulets Iron Ore before the war. At the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he enlisted in the Armed Forces, fought, was wounded, and is now recovering at home.
"Since being conscripted in the early days, I have served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, sustained injuries, and am currently in rehabilitation. Metinvest offered free recreation for our child. Now, in these trying times, recreation is essential for everyone – adults and children alike. Our child had longed to go somewhere for quite some time, but we could not make it happen. Thanks to the company, this opportunity finally came. Seeing your child enjoy some recreation fuels your strength and inspires you to keep fighting for our country's sovereignty", says Stanislav ZBYSHKO, a veteran employed at Inhulets Iron Ore.
Yehor Motruk, who brought his father a bracelet he had crafted himself, says he found new friends and, finally, enjoyed some rest and "recharged". As a memento of his time at the camp, Yehor has a jacket signed by all the friends he made there.
Vasyl, Yehor's father and a war veteran, who works at Central Iron Ore, believes that such recreation is essential for both parents and children alike.
"I am very glad that the children of parents like me – and not just those like me, but also those from families with missing or captured parents – can go and enjoy some recreation. I say, respect", says Vasyl MORTUK, a veteran employed at Central Iron Ore.
As a reminder, since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, one of the focus areas of the Saving Lives humanitarian initiative has been providing psychological support and rehabilitation for Metinvest’s employees and their families affected by the war.
