Ukrainian who fled to Ireland makes shoebox appeal
A student who fled to Ireland at the outbreak of the war in Ukraine has asked Irish people to deliver a "gift of hope" to children who have not been able to escape his war-torn country.
Maks Hudyma, an 18-year-old Ukrainian student, fled to Ireland during the outbreak of war in his homeland. Leaving behind his mother, Oksana, he now resides in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, and studies pharmaceuticals at Tallaght University in Dublin. Maks recalls the terror of that night and his mother's decision to send him to Ireland alone.
Four years later, he is using his experience to help other Ukrainian children. Inspired by a Christmas shoebox he received as a child, Maks is urging Irish people to donate gift-filled shoeboxes to Ukrainian children. Team Hope, a charity, aims to deliver 200,000 such boxes to children in Ukraine before Christmas, with Maks planning to contribute a box filled with table tennis equipment.
The charity advises sending toys, stationery, and clothes to 400 drop-off points or through Mr Price outlets across Ireland. Team Hope CEO Deborah Lowry emphasizes the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have, especially for children who may otherwise receive nothing.
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