Oleh Shaparenko, a successful marketer and MIM-Kyiv MBA student together with a volunteering group turned a former goldsmith shop into a hostel for temporarily displaced people. Its name is VAO. The team created a safe environment to help evacuees feel sheltered and welcome so they could move on. 

Each team member donated something. Shop owners re-equipped their 500 square meters property for residential needs. Other provided furniture. At this point, 30 team members run the hostel. Oleh shared his experience:

- Our friends from Europe donated 50 wooden bunk beds, home appliances, toys, and dinnerware. Ukrainians donated kitchen furniture, linens, beddings, and everyday staples. Our friends donated their time and expertise to convert the industrial property into residential. 

- We are launching free three times day meals for our evacuees. We have supplies for a week. We are looking for those who are ready to support us by providing groceries and the money necessary to cover utilities and electricity. We have cooks, cleaners, etc. We also have children's care where children can play with toys and games and have some basic educational activities. In other words, we are creating a cozy environment where people can feel at home, Oleh told us. 

People are supposed to stay here shortly – two weeks at maximum. We are trying to help as many people who escaped hell as possible. Our volunteers are providing information about jobs, trainings, and other things that make life normal. Our partners are providing psychological support for evacuees. 

The team is now finalizing its online registration and communication instruments. For more information, please visit  Facebook and Instagram. You can contribute to the VAO hotel on Patreon or in cash to the card:

PrivatBank 4627055113139074 (Oleh Shaporenko)

monobank 4441114424314787 (Oleh Shaporenko)

PayPal oleg.shaporenko@gmail.com