Your Support

We sincerely would like to thank amazing Arthur Ramazanoff-Ostapenko, Richard @J P Guiver Violins and everyone who contributed and donated all these instruments. 

We are extremely grateful for your incredible help, generosity  and kindness!

These instruments are ready to be taken to Ukraine at the end of July. 

Many Ukrainian talented children cannot wait for their arrival!

Thank you!

On the morning of Monday, 24th of July, I started my journey from England to deliver more instruments and accessories to the music schools and children in need in Ukraine. The drive was long, but relatively easy until I reached the Polish/Ukrainian border. My problems started when Ukrainian customs would not let me through. They had their own rather unclear reasons and were extremely adamant.

It took two days to resolve this issue! I was unbelievably happy when I finally crossed the border and was driving on Ukrainian soil. It was now the 28th of July at 8:05pm. Sleeping in the car for another night did not appeal to me at all!

I stopped in Kyiv to meet my dearest and brave friend Daria, who lives in Irpin’. Her family suffered greatly from the early Russian bombings and she was forced to flee to Germany in order to save her and her son’s lives. She came back to Ukraine in April this year to carry on living in the country that she loves dearly. I presented Daria with three violins. Two of them she delivered to the M. Verykivs’ky School of Arts in Irpin’. One violin V4UUK gave to Daria, a wonderful performer in her own right, to bring beautiful music to the local audiences. 

Driving on and after a short rest in Poltava, I reached the Donetsk region on the 5th of August. 

It was exciting to return here to see all the beautiful little faces once more. I also was looking forward to meeting again Valeria Kostushko, Head of the Public Association - “Svyatohirs’k na dolony”. Valeria does incredible work, organising activities for children and spirit lifting events for our fighters. 

My nieces, Katya and Sasha, had joined me in Poltava, as they wanted to bring dance masterclasses to the children in Donetsk. We visited Khrestyshche, Mayaky and Svyatohirs’k, delivering music; art and dance sessions. It was a tiring but wonderful experience and it was apparent that this ugly war is placing its mark on the most innocent ones - the children.

Although, we were trying to keep it as “normal” as possible, there is nothing normal about the fact that a happy childhood is being taken away from these children. Having no school, sport, music, dance and 'arts' in their lives will certainly leave a huge mark on their development and personalities. Some of the signs are clearly visible now.

On the 18th of August, I visited two music schools in Kremenchyk, (schools n.3 and n.2), and another music school in Vlasivka, presenting them with 19 violins in total.

On 21st of August I had to go back to Svyatohirs’k to take part in raising the flag at the highest point in the area by playing the National Anthem dedicated to the National Flag and Independence Day. It was a proud and moving experience. 

During my short visit this time more activities were performed with the children and military.

The full interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/CLoKkVWz13I?si=YxayWF8yg6RLP-MQ

Earlier in the year, we were contacted by the SOS Children’s Villages, Chernivtsi, asking if we could help children from Donbas with instruments and so my last stop to deliver musical items such as, electric pianos, acoustic and electric guitars, flutes and microphones, was in Chernivtsi (Western Ukraine), on the way back to England.

Now we, (my children Anastasia and Lucaa had joined me in Kyiv), were on the way to make many dreams of those children come true. We had a warm welcome from all the staff, parents and children. A number of children did a small performance, Anastasia represented V4UUK by giving a piano performance and I gave another interview to a local TV station: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVXbbFSA_7Is63OHWlLMXAg

In conclusion, this trip, as per the previous one, had its ups and downs. When you drive thousands of miles, naturally you think that everyone you are trying to help will be welcoming and appreciative. Unfortunately, in real life, it is not the case. There was a time when I thought, “why am I doing this?”. But then you meet people who are extremely grateful. It is for those you know are sincere with their gratitude and love that makes this hard work and struggle worth the effort. It makes you want to help even more.

During this trip I learned that music schools in Ukraine did not upgrade their instruments for the past 50-60 years! And it was during peaceful times!

It showed me that our cause is extremely important. Children benefit greatly from the music and art sessions that we help to provide. Playing their favourite instrument helps them with everyday’s reality and it is essential for their mental wellbeing. We must not give up nor forget that there are so many little souls that still need our help.

So far, we have personally delivered our musical aid to more than 10 schools in many different cities, including the most affected places.

However, we would like to reach even more children, especially in the Donetsk region. Our aim is to open a School of Arts where children can meet and have lessons on a weekly basis. 

We would be exceedingly thankful if you could help us towards achieving this dream. You can do so by purchasing V4UUK items; donating or ideally sponsoring a future fundraising event. Please contact me directly. 

And finally, I would sincerely like to thank, Arthur Ramazanoff-Ostapenko, J.P.Guiver Violins, Dimitry Shurov and everyone who supported and helped V4UUK to make this trip possible. I am beyond grateful for your kindness, generosity and all the given care.

With love and appreciation,

Iryna Gould-Founder Voice for Ukraine UK