THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
The unique charity event Supporting Hand, a large-scale initiative that united the Network of Journalists’ Solidarity Centers (JSC) of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) throughout Ukraine, aimed to provide vital assistance to fellow media professionals who found themselves in trouble on the occasion of Journalist Day – whether as a result of hostilities, injuries, or personal tragedies caused by the war. This event, organized by the NUJU under the slogan Journalists for Journalists, became one of the manifestations of exceptional solidarity among colleagues. Each JSC individually determined the direction and chose the most effective format for fundraising in order to maximally adapt the event to local needs and opportunities. Regional NUJU organizations also took up the initiative, organizing their own events within the framework of the event. This not only contributed to the involvement of a wide range of participants but also emphasized the creativity and dedication of Ukrainian journalists. In the journalism profession, they do not leave their own in trouble, and the shoulder of a colleague is the strongest support in difficult times.
Zaporizhzhia: over UAH 30,000 were raised at the auction-fair
The Zaporizhzhia JSC organized and held a charity auction-fair, thanks to which over UAH 30,000 were raised. Both the preparation for the auction and the event itself in the philharmonic hall became a kind of colorful, atmospheric event, which also created a special good mood despite the challenges characteristic of a front-line city.
More than 50 lots were put up for auction: these are paintings by local artists, stained glass windows, embroidery, life-size motanka dolls (Ukrainian national hand-crafted dolls), jewelry, works of applied art, authentic crafts, objects of national symbolism, and a type of art born of the war – Petrykivka painting on gun cartridges and tubes. Almost half of the exhibits were made and donated to the charity auction-fair fund Supporting Hand by Zaporizhzhia journalists themselves, and professional artists and photographers also joined in. The same number of exhibits were presented at the fair: jewelry, amulets, national souvenirs, and books. The real highlight was the branded chevrons РRESS.NUJU.Zaporizhzhia, made by the press service of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Situations Service (SESS) of Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia Region.
The assistance was directed to support the families of journalists who died at the front, fighting in the AFU, as well as media workers injured in the performance of their professional duties.
In particular, the following received assistance:
Olena Shemchuk – mother of the deceased soldier-journalist Oleg Shemchuk, for the publication of his book “Seven Days in the White World”.
Olha Zvonariova (Ukrinform’s own correspondent) and Kira Shupik-Oves (1+1 TV channel) – seriously injured in the line of duty.
Wife of front-line photojournalist Serhii Lavrov, who is undergoing treatment.
Camerawoman of the My Ukrayina TV channel, Dariya Zyrianova.
AFU soldier, former cameraman of the MTM TV channel, Volodymyr Kit, returned to the front after being injured.
Ihor Huriev, a former photojournalist of the online publication Accent, who is currently fighting in the 5th Assault Battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, to raising funds for ground stations for UAV pilots (the remaining funds were transferred after Olha Zvonariova’s initiative).
“We are currently working on preparing for publication my son’s book Seven Days in the White World, which he wrote on the eve of the war… We plan to hold the presentation in September, so the funds received at the charity auction Supporting Hand are very necessary for the editorial team to increase the circulation, so that as many people as possible can read the revelations of the defender of their native land. I sincerely thank everyone for a truly supportive hand in a noble cause!” emphasized Olena Shemchuk.
“First of all, I am grateful to everyone for the support that the journalistic community has provided me since the first day after my injury. It was thanks to them that I managed to recover, undergo rehabilitation, return to work, and hold on, despite everything. Therefore, now that I, thanks to all of you, am already feeling much better, I want to pass this help on to our colleague, former photo correspondent of the online publication “Accent” Igor Guriev, who is currently fighting in the 5th Assault Battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade and is raising funds for ground stations for UAV pilots,” noted Olha Zvonariova.
Of course, the preparation and holding of such a large-scale event required much effort from the employees of the Zaporizhzhia JSC. And they plan to continue such events. Especially since the collection of lots was taken up by young Zaporizhzhia journalists – recently the creative tandem of the TV channel “Kyiv-24” consisting of Yuliya Dolzhenko and Mykyta Shlyakhtunov, who are also volunteers, having returned from filming on the firing line, brought trophies to the JSC – machine gun cartridges with Petrykivka painting, which will become exhibits for a new charity event.
“In our time, we have held more than one auction in support of our journalist colleagues. But this one was the most responsible and exciting, because its goal is to support our defenders, soldier journalists, and front-line correspondents. And we are very glad that the action was successful, that we can present them with this help, and express our deep respect and gratitude for the invaluable contribution to our victory,” shared the impressions of Nataliya Kuzmenko, the coordinator of the Zaporizhzhia JSC.
Ivano-Frankivsk: over UAH 7,000 raised for the rehabilitation of a wounded colleague
A charity prize draw was held in the Prykarpattia Region, during which over UAH 7,000 were raised for the treatment of a mobilized colleague, Andrii Shkvarla, a cameraman of the Vezha TV channel. This AFU serviceman is currently undergoing rehabilitation after a spinal injury.
Twelve unique works of art by Prykarpattia media professionals were presented for the charity draw: books, paintings, collectible coins, embroidery, and a miniature of a military journalist. In particular, the family of the famous writer Stepan Pushyk joined the action and donated a collection of his works for the draw. Also, a unique miniature of a military correspondent was presented for a charity raffle by Bohdan Savliuk, a journalist, photojournalist at Pravda.IF.UA, a member of the NUJU, a famous sculptor-animator, and the author of the Warm Toys workshop. In total, almost fifty donors took part in the raffle.
In addition to Ivano-Frankivsk media workers, the event was joined by colleagues from the regions sponsored by the Ivano-Frankivsk JSC, in particular, members of the Kherson and Chernihiv regional organizations of the NUJU.
“In March 2022, I received a summons to appear at the territorial recruitment center. I understood that I had to go. This is my duty. As part of one of the AFU units, I performed tasks in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk directions. Due to health problems, I underwent treatment and am undergoing rehabilitation. When I recover, I intend to return to my unit. My comrades are waiting for me there. I communicate with them every day, and I try to help in every way. In particular, through my own pages on social networks, thanks to the help of my friends and acquaintances, I joined the fundraising for a pickup truck for the needs of our unit. The car has already been purchased and is performing its functions. I thank the journalistic community for its support,” noted Andrii Shkvarla.
“We learned that our colleague, media worker, cameraman of the Vezha TV channel, Andrii Shkvarla, is undergoing treatment from the members of the primary branch of the Vezha TV channel of the regional union of journalists. So, we ourselves offered him help. We understand how important any help is in this difficult time, and especially those who, risking their lives, protect us and our country. Gratitude to all our members who provided their original works, as well as to those who made a personal charitable contribution, and to colleagues from the initiative group that organized and held the charity event. It is also nice that in such a good and necessary initiative, colleagues from the regions sponsored by the Center, along with the Carpathian media workers, showed their solidarity. A helping hand is important and necessary! – thanked everyone who joined the charity raffle, the coordinator of the Ivano-Frankivsk JSC, Viktoriya Plakhta.
“This is not just help, it is an expression of our solidarity, gratitude, and support for those who protect our country every day. We wish you a speedy recovery and strength!” added Bohdana Zasidko, an assistant at the Ivano-Frankivsk JSC.
Dnipro: over UAH 17,000 collected for a famous TV journalist who suffered as a result of an enemy attack
A fundraising event was organized in Dnipro, as well as a charity raffle among donors, collecting over UAH 17,000 in total. In support of the famous TV journalist Iryna Stryzhka (Dmytriyeva), who was injured as a result of a hostile UAV strike on the Dnieper and lost her home.
Journalists from the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Sumy, and Kyiv Regions joined the initiative. Colleagues sent donations, provided unique lots for a charity draw – chevrons, a flag from the military, books, unique souvenirs, jewelry, and even honey. The super prize was an exclusive interview over coffee with the famous journalist Viktor Ozhohin. And colleagues also shared ideas and supported with kind words.
“Ms. Nataliya Nazarova, the coordinator of the JSC, was one of the first to call on that terrible day, immediately extended a helping hand. And this gave us the opportunity to stay on our feet, to keep ourselves, to keep our children. We lost the house that was the heart of our clan, our family. This is the house where six generations of my husband grew up. From the front line, near Toretsk, he actually arrived at the ruins. For us, it was a very big blow. But this support, in particular from the journalistic community, is very valuable. I want to thank everyone, friends, I hug everyone!” noted Iryna Stryzhka.
“This initiative is another evidence of the strength of our unity. In difficult times, journalists demonstrate true solidarity and readiness to support each other. Journalists are important, and together we are stronger!” emphasized Nataliya Nazarova.
Kharkiv: The main lot was Anastasiya Fedchenko’s book
As part of the Supporting Hand campaign in Kharkiv, UAH 21,000 were collected to support media worker Anastasiya Fedchenko, whose husband, Andrii, was killed at the front, defending Ukraine. Anastasiya is raising a 4-month-old daughter alone.
The main lot was Anastasiya Fedchenko’s book They Won. 11 Stories About People with Wounds – Visible and Invisible. There were also bracelets with glass from Kharkiv trams broken by shelling, beaded jewelry, New Year’s toys from a destroyed Christmas tree decoration factory in the Kupiyansk area, patriotic key chains from the “junk of war”, etc. And also photos from photographers from regional, national, and international publications… Very different people joined the collection, not only journalists. The lots were sent to Germany, Italy, Canada, and other regions of Ukraine. They remained in Kharkiv, since many of the donors once lived and worked in Kharkiv, but were forced to leave due to the full-scale invasion.
Such support is all the more valuable because Anastasiya Fedchenko herself did not ask for support; it was an initiative of JSC, which emphasizes that the JSCs keep all the needs of their colleagues in mind and strive to help.
“We asked everyone who cares to support Nastia Fedchenko with a donation. Because on Journalist’s Day, our congratulations should be backed by a good deed, so that a warm memory remains. And we also believe that it was important for everyone who learned about our campaign Supporting Hand,” emphasized the co-coordinator of the Kharkiv JSC, Hanna Chernenko.
Lviv: Students of the Faculty of Journalism actively joined the collection
The Lviv JSC announced a collection for a journalist from Kherson, Olena Prototopova, whose family currently lives in Lviv, a second daughter was born, and the family is in great need of financial support. Students of the Faculty of Journalism of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv actively joined the collection.
Olena is a Ukrainian journalist who was born and raised in Kherson, studied in the journalism class of the Kherson Lyceum, and later at the Faculty of Foreign Philology of Kherson State University. She was supposed to become a teacher by profession, but fate took her in a different direction – she became one of the most famous journalists in Kherson.
Olena Protopopova’s story is complicated, like the fate of many who were forced to leave their homes by the war. After the occupation of Kherson, she had to leave her city in search of safety. Together with her 12-year-old daughter, she moved to Lviv. In the fall of 2022, Olena learned that her husband, who was fighting at the front, came under mortar fire and lost both legs. The family was waiting for a long rehabilitation.
“I am very grateful to you. This is unexpected and timely. Thank you to all colleagues for your support,” Olena was sincerely happy to learn about the help.
“Such gatherings are a manifestation of our solidarity. Today we have come together as one family – and we are trying to support and take care of each other. In difficult times, it is very important to know that there are people nearby who will not leave us in trouble, who are always ready to come to the rescue. We are all going through difficult times now. The war destroys our homes, separates families, and deprives us of our usual life. But it will never take away our ability to be indifferent, compassion, and provide mutual support,” noted the coordinator of the Unified Western Ukrainian JSC, Nataliya Voytovych.
Chernivtsi: books by Bukovyna actors helped
The representative office of the Unified Western Ukrainian JSC in Chernivtsi joined the All-Ukrainian action Supporting Hand. With the support of local publishers, books by Bukovyna authors were distributed. The funds that were raised, which are about UAH 3,000, were transferred to repair the car of the press officers of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. It should be noted that earlier this car was purchased as a result of a charitable collection of media workers and transferred to the press officers by the NUJU.
“The charity event that took place in the Chernivtsi region demonstrated the effectiveness of journalistic solidarity. Despite the difficult situation of the media industry, media workers do not remain aloof from the needs of mobilized colleagues and their families,” said the head of the Chernivtsi regional organization of the NUJU, Volodymyr Bober.
***
REFERENCE INFORMATION. Supporting Hand is an all-Ukrainian charity event, which is held in May 2025 under the slogan Journalists for Journalists by NUJU’s JSCs in various regions of Ukraine. During charity offline and online auctions, fairs, lotteries, and other events, funds are collected to help the families of journalists – volunteers or mobilized and in the ranks of the AFU, to support injured journalists and their families. If possible, by decision of the JSC, part of the funds may be transferred to repair a car for the military press service (NUJU announces the collection). The collected funds are distributed by the NUJU’s JSC, taking into account the needs of journalists and their families in the relevant region. The transfer of the collected aid within the framework of the Supporting Hand campaign is timed to the Day of the Journalist of Ukraine (June 6).
NUJU Information Service
Discussion about this post