When Even Small Steps are Truly Giant Leaps
by Oleksiy "Alex" KhrystychSince 2014, Oleksiy "Alex" Khrystych, supervisor, Operations Training, at Uponor North America, has supported a Florida-based non-profit organization called Revived Soldiers Ukraine. The organization is dedicated to providing aid to the people of Ukraine in support of their fundamental human rights and medical rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. After Feb. 24, 2022, the Ukrainian American community in Minnesota decided to start a similar non-profit locally called the Protez Foundation, which delivers life-changing free limbs through their Prosthetics for Ukrainians project. Alex actively supports this young non-profit serving wounded soldiers, adult civilians, and children who are injured from the war in Ukraine. Through this unique project, they are transporting the injured to the United States to receive expertly fitted limbs.
"It gives you pride and understanding that every dollar and every minute spent to help those who are going through these tough and horrible times will help balance good versus evil with their deeds," Alex shares.
Individuals can lend their time and talents, and/or provide financial support for the non-profit. While monetary donations are spent wisely to support the survivors, you may also provide temporary housing to the victims of war. If you would like to get involved, fill in a volunteer form on the non-profit's website.
Alex works tirelessly to help the Ukrainian cause and so he is also part of a local initiative called #StandWithUkraineMN, which raises funds and coordinates humanitarian efforts in support of Ukraine. He has also raised funds for trucks serving as rescue vehicles for civilians and ambulances for those fighting in Ukraine with his Ukrainian Village Band. In 2022, the band played in several fundraising events.