Key Takeaways:
- Jack Topzand, a volunteer from New Zealand, is working in Ukraine to help repair damaged buildings and deliver aid to those in need.
- Topzand is part of a small team of international volunteers who are working to make damaged buildings weather-tight and operational again.
- The team is also delivering first aid equipment to hospitals in areas near the front line, including Kherson.
- Despite the dangers of the war, Topzand feels safe and fulfilled by his work, and is grateful for the warm welcome he has received from the Ukrainian people.
- Topzand will be returning to New Zealand in January to help his parents with their business, but is sad to leave the people and place he has grown to love.
Introduction to Jack Topzand’s Work
Jack Topzand, a volunteer from New Zealand, has been working in Ukraine for several months, helping to repair damaged buildings and deliver aid to those in need. After spending his first month in Kyiv, Topzand settled in Mykolaiv, where he works mainly in emergency response and reconstruction work. His team, which consists of up to 10 international volunteers, focuses on cleaning up debris and patching up buildings to make them weather-tight. This work is crucial, as the local government does not have the time or resources to repair all of the damaged buildings.
The Importance of Volunteer Work
Topzand’s volunteer work is making a significant difference in the lives of Ukrainians. By repairing damaged buildings, his team is helping to restore a sense of normalcy to daily life in Mykolaiv. The team’s work is also helping to support the local economy, as they are able to use local materials and labor to repair the buildings. Additionally, Topzand’s team is delivering first aid equipment to hospitals in areas near the front line, including Kherson. This work is critical, as the threat of drone strikes and bombs is a constant reality in these areas.
The Dangers of War
Despite the importance of his work, Topzand is constantly aware of the dangers of the war. When he travels to areas that have been bombed, he has to be careful, as some buildings may be structurally unsound. He also has to be mindful of the threat of drone strikes, which can occur at any time. In fact, Topzand has had several close calls, including a Shahed drone landing a few hundred meters from where he was staying in Kyiv. He has also heard automatic gunfire "going off the whole time" and has seen buildings with giant holes in them. However, despite these dangers, Topzand does not feel unsafe, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian government to keep him and his team safe.
Life in Mykolaiv
Daily life in Mykolaiv is relatively "normal", despite the constant reminders of the war. There are air alerts every day, which can last for hours or even all day, warning of incoming drones. Topzand has to be careful where he goes, as some areas are more dangerous than others. However, despite the challenges, Topzand has found the Ukrainian people to be very welcoming. When he tells people that he is from New Zealand, they are often surprised and grateful that he has come to help them. This reaction makes Topzand feel like he is making a difference, and that the world has not forgotten about the people of Ukraine.
Returning to New Zealand
Topzand will be returning to New Zealand in January to help his parents with their business, Blue River Orchard. While he is looking forward to catching Northland’s summer, he is sad to leave the people and place he has grown to love. Topzand’s experience in Ukraine has been incredibly fulfilling, and he is grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in the lives of others. He is also grateful for the warm welcome he has received from the Ukrainian people, who have made him feel at home. As he prepares to leave, Topzand is reflecting on the lessons he has learned and the experiences he has had, and is already thinking about how he can continue to make a difference in the world.
