Volunteer Shalyk was our friend!
Musician, excellent driver, professional car painter, occasional car mechanic. A war volunteer, a man with a big heart, an unmistakable voice and a refined sense of humour. All this and much more than words can describe was our friend Serhiy “Shalyk” Shalyhin (16. 10. 1970 – 19. 9. 2023) 9. 2023).
He was killed on 19 September this year during a regular evacuation of civilians from the war zone. On the way back from Kupjansky district, his car was hit. Serhiy ”Shalyk” Shalyhin, volunteer Vadym and four civilians were killed at the spot.
Serhiy always spoke his mind. A tireless critic of everyone and everything, and in most cases rightly so, he was often the only one who called things by their true names. He found a solution to every problem. In emergency situations, it was reassuring to have him by your side.
He loved his country and sought its independence. He became a volunteer in 2014. He was among the founding members of our organization. He was also one of the first volunteers entering the liberated territories of the Kharkiv region. He helped his comrades who were resisting the occupiers with guns in their hands in whatever way he could. It was a natural for him.
Glory to the heroes!
We stand behind Piatykhatky BAM!
The volunteer organization Piatykhatky BAM, which Shalyk co-founded at the beginning of the invasion, has decided to continue its work to fulfill the legacy of their fallen comrade.
Piatykhatka BAM volunteers focus on delivering humanitarian aid, especially to liberated villages, and arrange for the evacuation of sites near the frontline areas of north-eastern Ukraine (Kupyansky, Vovchansky and Bakhmusky districts). Among other things, the group provides care for the elderly, the socially disadvantaged, and pets abandoned as a result of war. They also support cultural and sporting activities for children from war zones.
One of the members of the Kharkiv group is Alice Mirovská from Prague, who will continue her work in the area heavily shelled by the Russian army. She has done dozens of risky evacuations and humanitarian aid missions.
This summer, Alice and her friends founded a group called Posila BAM, which aims to connect Ukrainian humanitarian organizations with international ones. Volunteers from Pyatychaty need our material and financial help to help others.
We will not give up – we will continue!
With the loss of Shalik, the entire organization got into existential problems. To continue operating, the volunteers need a replacement for the Wolksvagen Transporter (T4/T5) 4×4 destroyed by a Russian missile.
This type of vehicle is best suited for muddy terrain close to the front line while allowing the evacuation of up to five people at a time. This car can also be easily repaired, local mechanics have spare components for it.
Let’s join forces across the volunteer spectrum and support our colleagues and friends in these difficult times!
