Unity Gives Strength: An Evening of Gratitude for Belgian Volunteers by Ukrainian Voices RC
Volunteers usually remain behind the scenes. They organize, support, raise funds, and help—but then quietly return to their own lives. Yet on this evening, everything was different. For the first time, the Ukrainian community in Brussels gathered to express gratitude to these very people: those who, since the start of the full-scale war, have supported Ukraine not just with words but through daily deeds.
The event, initiated by Ukrainian Voices RC and titled “Unity Gives Strength”, was a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for those who have become true allies of Ukrainians. The phrase “Unity Gives Strength” is Belgium’s national motto, and for Ukrainians, it has become inseparably connected to real people—kind, courageous, and caring Belgian volunteers.
“You Didn’t Just Help—You Built a Bridge”
Mykhailo Dzivitsky, President of Ukrainian Voices RC, addressed the Belgian partners and friends on behalf of the entire community:
“From the very first day of the full-scale war, you stood by us. You opened your hearts and homes, devoted your time and energy, and that touches us deeply. I want to say that thanks to you, thousands of Ukrainians have found not only a new life but also respect and hope. You didn’t just help. You built a bridge between our communities.”
A Friendship That Began With Help
Vrezh Telimyanhas lived in Belgium for 30 years. He had visited Ukraine even before the full-scale invasion and returned from there on February 13, 2022—just before the war escalated.
After February 24, he, together with friends and colleagues, began collecting clothes and toys for children. The aid was brought to Brussels and distributed to Ukrainian families fleeing the war.
Over time, Vrej grew close to one Ukrainian family. “I have a friend whose daughter, born here in Belgium, I am the godfather of. Soon, they will have a second daughter,” he shared.
Vrej came to the evening expecting to continue collecting aid—he did not anticipate it would be an evening dedicated to gratitude.
“I’m very happy to be among the volunteers, but I believe they [Ukrainians] do much more than I do because they experienced the war firsthand. Some of them returned [to Ukraine] once or twice, perhaps to see their families and destroyed homes—it’s very sad. But here, some of them have found happiness, built new families, and are trying to build a life in Belgium.”
“Freedom Is Not Free”
Among the guests was Mark Demesmaeker, former member of the European and Belgian parliaments. He has supported Ukraine since the Euromaidan protests, frequently traveling with humanitarian convoys. After the full-scale invasion, he helped raise funds for evacuation vehicles, drones, and other equipment.
“Russia’s war started more than 12 years ago. And I went over there [to Ukraine] several times with convoys, also advocacy trips. And that put me on the blacklist as one of the first in Europe of Mr. Putin”.
Reflecting on the volunteer tribute, Mark said:
“I’m very proud, but also very, how should I say, thankful to you. Because this is a sign of merci, thank you to us, but it’s we Europeans who really have to be thankful to you to putting a mirror in front of us, because you make us realise that freedom is not for free and that also we are under threat. You are under a hot threat, you have a hot war going on at the front line, but the battlefield is the whole of Europe. We have our, well, the hybrid warfare is also raging here in Europe, but we never realised it. And we have to realise that democracy is not for free and we have to stand for it”.
Opening One’s Home
Nathalie Tielliu from Brussels explained that she does not represent any organization. In 2022, on her own initiative, her family simply opened their home to a Ukrainian family.
“They lived with us and had all the space they needed: a room, a bathroom, a kitchen. We spent a lot of time together and opened our home and hearts to them.”
Nathalie helped the family find a school for the children, summer activities, and a French teacher.
“I think it’s extremely important to continue supporting Ukraine, because life is incredibly hard for them, and our hearts break when we see what’s happening there—it’s truly unfair. I believe that the people here and those there in Ukraine are all very brave, and they can rely on our help and support.”
Bringing Children Back Home
Brigitte Wilputte became involved after reading about the deportation of Ukrainian children. She later joined an initiative that searches for and helps return these children, and for the past year and a half has been working independently.
“I put maximum effort into locating where the children are, studying Russian law, because so much has been deliberately altered regarding children in Russian legislation. I will continue until the children are back home and I can embrace them.”
Support Passed Down Through Generations
For Christian Stoop, helping Ukrainians is part of a family legacy. He speaks of his connection to Ukraine as something spanning generations and continuing today. A special moment at the evening was honoring his son as a volunteer, who has also contributed to aid efforts.
Christian emphasized that the help continues despite society’s changing moods and fatigue over the war:
“The first year, I had no problems to get funds or to get humanitarian aid. Now, you have to push more. The people are busy with other things. But we do our utmost best. And happily, there are a lot of Belgians who still support Ukraine. And we will do it till the victory.”
He also noted the people in the room—both familiar volunteers and newcomers joining the support efforts.
“It’s amazing to see how great those people are to help so much for Ukrainian community here.”
Saying “Thank You” in Person
Ukrainian volunteer Olga Michelot shared that the evening was an eye-opening experience for her. She has lived in Belgium for over 15 years, holds Belgian citizenship, and is actively involved in volunteering herself. She attended as both a Belgian who helps and a Ukrainian wishing to say thank you personally.
“It turns out there are so many volunteers in Belgium who really make a difference. […] That is a tremendous force! And it must be recognized. Thank you for organizing this evening, because expressing gratitude is the least we can do.”
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This evening did not change the course of the war. But it fostered a sense of unity. Behind every donated box, every opened door, and every hour of volunteer work are real people. When the Ukrainian community thanks them in person, the aid ceases to be abstract—it becomes tangible stories, names, and faces.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unity-gives-strength-evening-gratitude-lfqhe/?published=t
