Ukrainian Community Event in Stadspark of Antwerp Highlights Humanitarian Efforts

Antwerp, Belgium – The usually tranquil Stadspark in Antwerp came alive this weekend as a significant portion of the local Ukrainian community gathered for a special event.

The park, known for its serene environment, buzzed with activity and conversations, as residents mingled with humanitarian workers dedicated to aiding war-torn Ukraine.

Among those present were Günter Constandt, a Belgian doctor with the Ihor Vitenko Foundation, and Conny Vervynck, a dedicated nurse involved in various humanitarian initiatives.

Günter’s Mission with the Ihor Vitenko Foundation

Günter, a general practitioner based in Belgium, shared insights into his involvement with the Ihor Vitenko Foundation.

“I have never been to Ukraine,” he admitted, “but when the war started, I wanted to help because I’m a doctor and I stand for people.”

Collaboration between Mission Ihor Vitenko and Stay Safe NGO is Saving Lives in Ukraine

This sense of duty led him to co-found Stay Safe, an organisation aimed at helping people worldwide. As the conflict in Ukraine intensified, the focus shifted to delivering critical medical supplies to the region.

“We received a lot of medical supplies from hospitals, such as beds, dialysis machines, and surgical materials,” Gunter explained.

“But we couldn’t transport them to Ukraine. That’s how we got in touch with Mission Vitenko, which assists with transport and connections in Ukraine, ensuring that the supplies reach the right places without falling into corrupt hands.”

Critical Need for Medical Equipment

The demand for medical equipment in Ukraine is immense, with 74 hospitals reportedly bombarded.

Günter highlighted the urgency: “Civilians, soldiers, and even Russian soldiers need help if they are not sent back to Russia. We send ambulances to transport people to hospitals, and we’ve started palliative care units.”

Ihor Vitenko

Additionally, the foundation focuses on improving wound care, which was previously underdeveloped in Ukraine.

“Ihor Vitenko has introduced better techniques, and in his hospital in Vinnytsia, there are no amputations needed. He’s giving lessons now, and 90 nurses have received wound care diplomas. There are two nurses per hospital in 45 hospitals, so they can now perform proper wound care, reducing the need for amputations,” Günter elaborated.

Connie’s Humanitarian Efforts

Connie, another Belgian medic working through Stay Safe, has been instrumental in the organisation’s efforts.

“Günter and I are the main people behind Stay Safe,” she noted.

Initially, the team struggled with transporting supplies to Ukraine, which led them to collaborate with Ihor.

“After a few months, we decided to help more. We were already aiding Ukraine, but now we can showcase our strengths more effectively. Everyone has their own skills, and together we form a strong front to support Ukraine.”

Community Spirit and Support

The event at Stadspark served as an important reminder of the power of community and international solidarity.

As Ukrainians in Antwerp gathered, their resilience and determination were evident. Despite being far from their homeland, their spirit remains unbroken, and their efforts, supported by individuals like Günter and Connie, continue to make a significant impact.

The humanitarian work discussed with Günter and Connie underscores the ongoing need for medical supplies and support in Ukraine.

Organisations like the Ihor Vitenko Foundation and Stay Safe play a crucial role in delivering aid and improving healthcare in the war-torn country.

As the conflict continues, the efforts of dedicated medical professionals and humanitarian workers remain vital in providing relief and hope to those affected.

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