The war in Ukraine started on February 24, 2022, and already on March 1, Karolis Sankauskas went with the first mission to Ukraine with the necessary equipment, food and other necessary help.
“When I woke up and found out that Russia attacked Ukraine, I said to my friend at the time: ‘War.’ From that moment on, it’s been a second year when I can’t sleep peacefully,” K. Sankauskas remembered the beginning of the war.
According to the interviewee, at the beginning, a large part of the humanitarian aid managed to be taken directly to Kyiv, as well as to Lviv and the war refugee centers located in its district.
“The beginning was quick and effective: it was clear that the people’s trust had been earned and that it would not be possible to retreat,” says K. Sankauskas.
About the war refugee center under his patronage
During the last missions, the 64th and 65th, the businessman together with his comrades went to the center for war refugees under his patronage in the city of Mykolaiv, where war refugees from occupied cities and towns come.
According to K. Sankauskas, this center is capable of serving up to 100 people at the same time: they are provided with food, hygiene products, and a place to stay. Soldiers are also trained at the center, since a certain amount of people must travel from each residential area to the war front, who must be specially prepared and trained.
“During these missions, we brought a lot of food, hygiene packages, clothes, blankets to the center. All military centers survive because of the initiative of good people: for example, the Ukrainians themselves contribute by paying for electricity or water,” shares K. Sankauskas.
During the last missions, the center in the city of Mykolaiv was first visited, then Kyiv, where volunteers meet with soldiers, transfer equipment, equipment, and transport. There are frequent trips to the frontline cities, where they also meet soldiers.
“I am proud of the rebuilt school in Borodianka. I was the initiator, I presented the projects, I convinced them that it was necessary to organize and build. The school itself has not yet opened, but the works are almost finished,” says Karolis.
Exotic trips were exchanged for missions in Ukraine
K. Sankauskas exchanged exotic trips – jungles, beaches, resorts – for missions to the Ukrainian war front: it became an integral part of his day.
The interviewer reveals that even his own parents ask him: “Son, what are you doing?”
Karol’s answer is simple – he goes to help: “Everything is accompanied by an altruistic desire. Most people find it strange because you give so much, you should get something in return. But no, it is not necessary to get something. If you do everything only for profit, you will never do anything well.”
Most people find it strange because you give so much, you should get something in return. But no, it is not necessary to get something.
It also helps to come to Lithuania
Karolis, who has been actively helping Ukraine for two years, helped more than 2,000 people reach Lithuania from the war-torn cities of Ukraine: he took care of their accommodation, amenities, and helped some of them find jobs.
“It is very good and fun when you meet people whom you helped to reach Lithuania, who are already working, settled, and living a new life. Then you remember that you helped that person to turn his destiny in the right direction”, shares K. Sankauskas with a smile on his face.
Photo of K. Sankauskas’ personal archive/Karolis Sankauskas and other volunteers in Ukraine
Karolis admits that he sometimes feels lonely because people forget to donate and contribute, and he assures that altruistic behavior encourages other people to help.
“The war continues, but murders and rapes cannot become normal everyday life. The feeling of loneliness is dispelled by a team of regarding 100 volunteers, they are ready to help and contribute. Volunteers help in any way they can: they change gearboxes, charge generators, drones, and other things,” says the interviewer.
Helping is not limited to material things, and we humans can do so much when we come together and focus on a common goal.
Realizing that he has many opportunities, abilities, contacts and useful experience, the businessman firmly decided to do as much as possible. Although Karolis admits that it is impossible to save everyone, and his goal is to help the soldiers as much as possible, because “help is necessary for them”.
Lives in basements
The founder of Šešios AM had to visit people who remained in Ukrainian cities.
“They live in basements and in very poor conditions, not only in terms of food quality or hygiene, but also in terms of their psychological state. I have heard a lot of people’s stories, which usually have either a bad or a very bad ending. I listened to all the stories and experienced them in myself, but following a while I realized that there is so much that one person cannot handle.
I am collecting “karma points” and, probably, I have already collected not only for several years ahead, but also for several future generations,” says Karolis.
Photo of K. Sankauskas’ personal archive/Karolis Sankauskas and other volunteers in Ukraine
K. Sankauskas notices that our society lacks respect for those people who do good deeds.
“I even received accusations that I allegedly conducted war tourism, although the volunteers who were taken unloaded things, worked, and voluntarily helped to provide aid. Blame it just because volunteers, for example, take a picture, even though they are taking considerable risks, donating their time and resources.
The most important thing is that they listen to people’s stories and share them when they return,” emphasizes K. Sankauskas.
Karolis receives a lot of appreciation and thanks in Ukraine: “Not only do I receive diplomas and letters of thanks, but I also often have to shake hands with soldiers and hand them diplomas for bravery and courage. Such moments are remembered and remain.”
Photo of K. Sankauskas’ personal archive/Karolis Sankauskas and other volunteers in Ukraine
It is important not to forget to donate
“That help is not necessarily a monetary donation. People can also contribute with their work: you come, cook, help stack, unload, transport.
Help is not limited to material things, and we, the people, can do a lot by getting together and focusing on a common goal”, encouraged K. Sankauskas.
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2024-04-25 20:35:37
