On August 8, 2018, Lesya and her family endured an unexpected disaster. A fire, caused by an electrical short circuit, blazed throughout Lesya’s family home near our Ternopil site in the Ukraine. The fire damaged much of their kitchen and furniture, and destroyed the roof and beams in their nearby barn and shed. Lesya’s mother, Halyna, raises her four children alone, and is unable to work full-time. The family survives on their garden and small poultry farm. The damage caused by the fire was devastating to the family’s daily lives and to their livelihood.
After the fire, emergency services launched an investigation to assess damages. The total damage caused by the fire was more than $4000 CAD. It would cost a minimum of $2300 to repair the facilities for basic use. Since the family wasn’t able to afford insurance, they would have to cover the cost of repairs out of pocket- a cost they certainly would never be able to afford on their own.
It was dire that the structures were repaired quickly for the sake of the family’s livelihood and comfort. Our Ternopil site launched a Critical Needs Fund for $2324.82 for repairs to the barn, shed, and kitchen, and to replace some of the furniture lost in the blaze.
Thanks to the outpouring love and generosity of our supporters, we were able to raise all of the required repair funds in time to complete the construction before the winter months. The family was able to purchase a used sofa, armchairs, stools, a table, and a cupboard to replace their lost furniture. They were lucky to find all of the used furniture at a very affordable price!
“The family would not have been able to have the repairs completed rebuilt without Chalice support,” says Luba, our Ternopil site director. “They are very grateful for the fast response and the support given for the renovations!”
We’d like to offer sincere thanks to all of our donors who helped this vulnerable family rebuild and recover. May God bless you abundantly!