The SumDU volunteering movement has a long and meaningful history. Founded in 2006 on the initiative of the students themselves, it has brought together people who want to help others and change the world for the better. Over the years, SumDU volunteers have implemented numerous charitable projects aimed at supporting the military, helping stray animals, environmental initiatives, and much more. Representatives of SumDU volunteer unit told us what attracted them to this activity and what exactly they do.

Why do students choose volunteering?

SumDU volunteers are an active, close-knit team that helps society and develops personally. According to Alina VARUKHA, a student of the BiEM Institute, her acquaintance with the volunteering movement began in her first year.

“I hesitated for a long time about what to try myself in, but when I saw how diverse this activity could be, I realized that I wanted to join,” – says Alina.

Nikita DOBRODUMOV, a student of the ElIT faculty, was initially motivated by getting additional points to his rating. But after the first event, he realized that volunteering is much more than just an activity.

“I came here because I wanted to leave my comfort zone, but I stayed because I realized how important it is,” – says Nikita.

What do SumDU volunteers do?

Student volunteers participate in numerous initiatives and charity events:

• Helping the Sumy Society for Animal Protection: walking dogs, organizing festivals to find families for animals rescued from the war zone.
• Weaving camouflage nets, making trench candles, collecting food packages for the military. “When you are working on a net, you constantly think: what if this net saves someone’s life? It adds motivation,” – says Nikita.
• Organizing events for IDP children.
• Conducting environmental events.
• Providing plasma donation, fundraising and humanitarian aid.
• Cooperating with the Tatiana Yahodina Charitable Foundation, the Motor Hive community and other organizations.

Alina told us about one of the events that she remembered the most:

“The event for internally displaced children caused me strong emotions. With the assistance of Tatiana Yahodina’s “We Believe Everything Will Be Fine”, an entertainment program for IDP children was organized in the summer of 2024. There were various games, contests and other fun activities for children. Since we cooperate with this volunteer organization, this event did not pass us by. We helped organize and run the event, played and talked to the kids. What I remember most is their sincere emotions, enthusiasm and smiles. Such a simple event at first glance brought so much joy! It helped to distract from everyday life for a moment. I am glad that I was able to be a part of this event and once again proved to myself that such ordinary things can make us happy”.

Flexible schedule and unique atmosphere

An important factor that attracts students is convenience of the schedule. Volunteering doesn’t interfere with their studies, because everyone chooses when and what events to attend. Thanks to the large number of participants, you can always find support and substitutes, which helps to avoid overload. Besides, volunteering is a great opportunity to find friends and like-minded people.

“The atmosphere is very friendly, you feel at home. When I came for the first time, I was greeted with warmth, I was able to quickly adapt to new people, and in a few days, I felt like a part of the team, as if I had always been here,” – argues Nikita.

Alina says their community is a talented, hardworking, friendly, and active team: “We always support each other, even outside of activities. We communicate as friends and enjoy making new acquaintances. Here, everyone can find like-minded people, discover their own potential and feel part of an important cause”.

Volunteering in wartime

During the war, volunteering became even more important. It is not only a way to support the military or people in difficult circumstances, but also a way to contribute to the future victory.

“The work of volunteers has always been relevant and important, but during the war it became especially necessary. Supporting the military, helping people in difficult circumstances, or caring for animals that have lost their homes and owners – all of this unites us and contributes to our success on the path to victory,” – says Alina.

What does volunteering give students?

For many, volunteering has become not only a way to help, but also an important stage of personal development. Students note this activity has helped them expand their social circle, develop teamwork, responsibility and organization skills.

“If at the very beginning of my volunteer journey I was more interested in extra points, now my attitude to all this has changed completely. If we take the same example of weaving camouflage nets, the thought has come to me more than once: Will they do without my help? Or maybe my absence will affect the speed of weaving the nets? It will take longer to make them, they will be delivered to the front line later, and this, God forbid, will lead to our guys being left without the camouflage they need so much. In general, everything we do brings us pleasure. We see grateful people, feel needed and important because we do real good deeds.”

The SumDU volunteering movement is power of unity, kindness and desire to change the world for the better. Every student has an opportunity to join and become part of a team that does important things!