The veteran workers' organisation of Metinvest's Northern GOK has been providing consistent support to the Ukrainian Defence Forces. During the two years of full-scale war, the women made more than 300 square metres of camouflage nets and 130 pillows and wove more than a hundred socks and warm rugs. They collect and send canned food, medicines, hygiene products, and other things to the front line.
Industrious volunteer workers of Northern GOK regularly send dozens of metres of hand-woven camouflage nets, knitted socks and blankets, pillows and warm shoe insoles to the defenders. They also raise money to buy paraffin wax for making trench candles, medicines, and the military's favourite treats - condensed milk and croissants.
"Our veteran workers are very close-knit. They take care of the defenders with love and gratitude, because they understand: we owe everything we have and can do today to those men and women who are defending Ukraine," says Tetiana SHELUDKO, chairperson of the veteran workers' council of Northern GOK's public organisation. – We hope and believe that our sincere support and prayers will help them stay strong on the frontline, overcome all difficulties on the way to victory, and protect them from enemy danger. I thank all our passionate ladies for their kind hearts and magical hands: they are doing a very important job now."
Volunteers collect materials to help the soldiers all over the world. Their own under-ceiling storage shelves with stocks of fabrics, threads and wool have been emptied long time ago. Old sweaters have long since been knitted out, so that the military can have new warm socks. At their own expense, the veterans buy the bases for making camouflage nets, fabric, disinfectant and detergents, medicines, etc.
There is a job in a veterans' organisation for everyone – according to their abilities and capabilities. Some people cut fabric for future nets, while others fill pillows with polyester batting and sew them together. Those who can knit warm mats, socks or nets. Others help with donations for the necessary consumables.
These tireless women are inspired by the eyes of the defenders, who shine with gratitude when they receive the parcels. The soldiers fondly refer to the women veterans "our Mayas the bees" and always say thank you, honouring these mothers and grandmothers, their big hearts, tireless hands, sincere prayers and good deeds.
The administration of Metinvest's Northern GOK also supports the veterans' initiatives by providing transport when needed. In addition, the company's employees also contribute to good deeds by purchasing necessary medicines, bedding and food.
On the occasion of the Day of Unity of Ukraine, Tetyana Sheludko, Chairman of the Veterans Council of Northern GOK, was presented with a certificate of acknowledgement from the Defence Council of Kryvyi Rih. The city recognised Tetyana's leadership skills in uniting veteran volunteers, as well as her active social activities, patriotism and significant contribution to the defence capability of Kryvyi Rih and Ukraine.
