Chernihiv Region Charity
“Aratta”

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March 14, 2011.
Tony Budell’s visit.

After two years vocation, connected with health problems, one shiny spring day on the 14th of March, our dear friend and a partner from England Tony Budell arrived, he is the founder and director of the charity organization “British Humanitarian Aid”. This time his arrival was significant, because it is 15 years when Tony came to Chernihiv for the first time, with a Convoy of 15 cars bringing humanitarian aid. 15 years already – as he says, - I’m falling in love with Chernihiv, with its people, with its golden-domed cathedrals, with its special atmosphere of comfort and hospitality. I feel like at home here. This town had become native for me, because my heart is settled in “Aratta” forever!”

This time Tony’s visit was two weeks long. Every day was planned earlier, before his arrival, because during 2 years a lot of events had happened in “Aratta”, there are new wards, new plans and new projects. And we wanted to share everything with a person, who gave a lot of strength to the foundation and development of our organization. To describe better all the plans, meetings and trips which took place it’s better to describe each Tony’s day separately.

15.03.11 On the first day Tony came to “Aratta”’s office, where everybody was waiting for him since early morning. With his appearing the organization became full of happy noise and laughter. All day the doors were open, because everybody who wanted to say “hello” to our dear guest (members, volunteers and teachers) were coming. Around a festive table as this day Veter Galina Ilinichna was also celebrating her birthday congratulations from all colleagues and confessions of love to “Aratta” and all its beautiful women volunteers were heard from Tony.

16.03.11 Next place which our dear guest visited was the warehouse. After warm words and hugs, a talk about the work, plans and achievements took place. Tony was interested how the distribution of humanitarian aid is going, met with some people who get it, learned about the problems and urgent needs, also told about the arrival of two trucks, with humanitarian aid from Britain soon.

In the afternoon, Tony and Victoria visited a family under the care in the village Dovzhyk Chernihiv region, which brings up five children. The family has many problems and “Aratta” with Philip Edmonds, one of the Directors of “British Humanitarian Aid” has done much for improvement: assisted in putting in the gas, bought a refrigerator, a gas stove, provided materials for repairs, furniture, clothing and toys for the children. But the main problem of the family is the mother’s alcoholism. Kids don’t get enough attention, they are neglected, although the children are wonderful, they are polite and funny in communication. The guest’s arrival this time was in time because the mother with her little daughter were not at home for more than a day and the children were in despair. They were happy with Tony’s tricks and good gifts.

17.03.11. Tony looked at the new building of the community center “Aratta’ in Stanislavsky street that in the “five corners” district. He liked this cozy place, the building itself, as well as future plans for development of Aratta

18.03.11. This day a contest "The Talents of Large Families” was held in the City Palace of Culture. ChRChO “Aratta” delegated its participants. Vladislav and Valentin Kovalenko were playing musical instruments, Shvetsov Vlad was singing patriotic songs, and he earned the second place in the competition. Tony Budell and Victoria Filatova were honored guests at this event

In the evening a meeting on the project "Voice of the parents” was held in “Aratta” The purpose of the meeting was to unite the parents who have children with visual impairments to further joint efforts to establish a non-governmental organizations of parents and children with visual impairments. Tony communicated with the parents, shared experiences of his fellow citizens in solving this problem

19.03. 11. On the weekend Tony enjoyed the city, walking through the parks and gardens, looking at historical places and watching people around. He was very impressed with the prices of food and fuel in Chernihiv.

20.03.11. This day was planned to visit grandmother Galya, which Tony calls mother. Grandmother Galya - an honorary member of “Aratta”, a healer and a dear friend of the organization.

21.03.11. A camera crew of European TBN television (The Bible Network) came to Ukraine from England. Tony and Victoria went to Kyiv to meet the English people in the morning and to bring them to Chernihiv. Representatives of the television, John and Heather, came to us to make a film about Tony Budell and his cooperation with “Aratta” on the field of charity.

22.03.11. Tony, Victoria Filatova, Svetlana Kravchenko, who became deputy chairman of the organization, and the video group, visited the village Makoshyno Mena region. Although initially, as a tradition, they visited a handicapped Vasyuk family in Mena. All three: Vanya Vasyuk, his mother and father have the status of disability, but despite all the difficulties there is an atmosphere of love, kindness and help in their family. Vanya is a true philosopher, shared his optimistic views and beliefs and, moreover, also fantastic pictures and classical music. In the end of the visit, Vanya conveyed his message to the members of “Aratta” and guests from the UK: "Never give up!"

Makoshyno organization "Descendants of Aratta” with permanent head Kolesnyk Natalia Ivanivna as usually welcomed warmly the guests with singing, children's greetings and a generous table. This day citizens of Makoshyno celebrated the 7th anniversary of its organization and the arrival of Chernihiv and English guests was in time.

23.03.11. Firstly, it was Tupychiv where Tony visited the home for the elderly people, gave them gifts and spoke with them. After the meeting with the head of the village council Tupychiv Shovkova Larisa, who expressed sincere gratitude to Philip Edmonds, Tony Budell and to “Aratta” for the financial and humanitarian help after the hurricane that passed through the village last summer.

There was also an agreement for further cooperation. And after the unforgettable visit to the village Vahanichi Gorodnya district to a family-type children home. Philip Edmonds, who first opened this family for “Aratta”, provides a lot of help and visits the family for therapeutic visits. Tony agreed about this even after his first visit and got friendly with the boys. 11 children under care in a real "farm": 4 cows, a calf, five sows, a boar, 40 piglets, a horse and countless poultry. But this is not important - the main is the atmosphere that prevails in the family. An unforgettable impression, of care, love, mutual support and believe that life is wonderful. There is a lot to learn from the parents of the house Manoylenko Stanislav Yakovych and Ploska Nadia Muhailivna.

24.03.11. For this day a meeting of the Board of “Aratta” was planned. With the presence of Tony and video group that meeting was special. The key achievements of the recent years were announced, new prospects and plans were outlined, warm words were presented to each other.

The English guests (John and Heather) said that “Aratta”, its volunteers and handicapped people made a great impression on them and that they feel at home here and that it will be hard to fly away from Ukraine the next day.

25.03.11. There was a friendly meeting in “Aratta". Before Tony`s arrival, it was decided to gather all members of Aratta (office and warehouse workers, the teachers) together at the festive table. Tony congratulated women with spring, wished to be as charming as they are, loving and beloved, declared his love to Aratta and Chernigiv, and also gave gifts to all. Time passed unnoticed with funny competitions, interesting lottery and friendly conversation.

26.03.11. Trip to the city Shchors. Tony and Victoria visited the festival “Mad Spring” -"Chumachechaya Vesna", which impressed them with a great number of talented kids. Also a meeting with the head of District Administration Grabowski Alexander took place, where close cooperation with Aratta in Schors and local authorities was discussed. Finally, Tony and Victoria had a talk with the head of organization Smolyak Vladimir and also with the staff and the children from handicapped families.

27.03.11. Kyiv. Tony specially left one day of his trip in order to devote it to the visit of Aratta friends in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv.

28.03.11. Tony went home to Britain. And Aratta is waiting for his new visit already...