Once again, “The Henry Project” embarked on a heartfelt mission to Bakhmut, filled with even more passion and determination to aid the people left behind in the city. This time, the team had specific objectives in mind. While their primary focus remained distributing food bags to the community, they also set out to assist individuals with unique needs. One such case involved an elderly couple who couldn’t bear the thought of leaving their beloved home, where they had spent nearly 70 years.
It’s easy for us to pass judgment on others’ decisions, but when faced with such circumstances ourselves, our perspective changes entirely. The atmosphere during this trip was notably different. The fighting had intensified, with escalating attacks and shelling occurring throughout the city. Evacuation became necessary for several families, prompting the deployment of three teams, two vans, and the Mazda hatchback (which now had its back window repaired) to transport them to safety.
Each moment expended within the city carried a sense of urgency. The team aimed to enter and exit as swiftly as possible, diligently loading families and their limited possessions into the vehicles. The constant sounds of artillery served as a reminder of the imminent danger lurking around them. Moreover, the team encountered elderly individuals with limited mobility. Despite their age, these resilient souls displayed strength and courage that astonished everyone.
During one instance on the journey, immediately after picking up a person to be evacuated to Dnipro, a rocket landed nearby, unleashing a blast wave that struck the team’s vehicle. The impact nearly shattered the windows and shifted the car sideways off the road. Once the driver regained control, they accelerated away from the dangerous area, leaving some members of the team shaken. Fortunately, everyone survived unscathed, and no injuries were sustained.
Regrettably, as the second day drew to a close, it became increasingly evident that the frontlines were encroaching upon Bakhmut. The team recognized the growing peril and reluctantly made the decision to cease entering the city. It was a harsh reality to accept, as they knew there were still people in need of assistance. However, they understood that prioritizing their own safety was essential. After all, they could be of no help to others if they were injured or worse.
Upon exiting Bakhmut, the team faced a grueling 15-hour drive to ensure the safety of those they had rescued. They first sought refuge at two shelters in Pavlohrad before continuing their long journey to Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and ultimately returning to Kyiv. The dedication and commitment demonstrated by “The Henry Project” and other volunteers throughout this challenging endeavor remind us of the power of compassion and the unwavering spirit to make a difference in the lives of others.