In Zhovkva, a volunteer hub has been operating for five years now, where camouflage nets are made for Ukrainian soldiers. Based at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the team “Zhovkva Spiders” has delivered more than 1,000 nets to the front during this time.
The group includes more than twenty women. They regularly gather in the premises by the church to weave nets for units fighting on the front line. Behind every finished net lie many hours of manual work and effort by the volunteers.
The “Zhovkva Spiders” are led by 82-year-old Paraskoviia Ostapyk from Zhovkva. Despite her advanced age, she comes to the weaving sessions every day together with the other participants. Viktor Hun’kalo helps to organise the work and involve entrepreneurs and benefactors in supporting the initiative.
The volunteers were visited by the mayor, Oleh Volskyi. He recalled that the staff of Zhovkva City Council are constantly involved in supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine: they help repair vehicles for the military, make donations and support local volunteer projects.
This time, City Council employees contributed 10,500 UAH for the purchase of materials to make new camouflage nets.
“Each of these women deserves special gratitude and respect. They have been gathering here for five years in a row now, and through their daily work they help our soldiers and, without doubt, save lives at the front. Today we have handed over funds from our team. And we want this kind of support to become our tradition,” said Oleh Volskyi.
The organisers stress that support for the front can take many forms: some weave nets, some provide materials, others contribute financially. Anyone who wishes can join the work of the “Zhovkva Spiders” or support their activities with donations.