Cycling for and with Ukraine: Nicole Schaft from Wogmeer took in a refugee Ukrainian family in March and now organized a cycling trip together with other Ukrainian families from her neighbourhood. “A fun day for all children.”
Nicole noted that the Ukrainians in her neighborhood had no experience with cycling. “I therefore thought it would be nice to introduce them to cycling country the Netherlands,” she says. Along the way, the participants could do various activities. “So they know what there is to do here.”
Many refugee families live in her neighbourhood. She herself welcomed the Moroz family, from Kiev. That family is grateful for all the support, says father Grigoriy. “Everyone here is very hospitable. They support us with everything: food, stuff, financially, but also mentally. That is also important.”
Daughters Anna (11) and Maria (5) cycled along and had a great time, although cycling took some getting used to. The ditches were especially scary. Father Grigoriy especially hopes that the participating families realize that this is about more than just Ukraine: “This war is about the future of all of Europe.”
For children
Because of the many Dutch and Ukrainian families with children in her neighbourhood, Nicole wanted to organize something for children. She mainly tries to show the Dutch children in the neighborhood in which freedom they live. “I want to make them realize that we do live in a very beautiful and free country.”
Dutch families could participate for 25 euros. Ukrainian families were allowed to ride their bikes for free. Relief goods for Ukraine are purchased from all proceeds, through the West-Friesland in Actie for Ukraine foundation. The foundation transports things like camp beds, sleeping bags and food to the border with Poland. “For soldiers, but also for people who stay at the Polish border,” says Nicole.