"I like being helpful." BRSM volunteers help elderly Vitebsk residents deliver crops from fairs

October is in full swing: the season of billets, fairs and the last sunny days. But while some people rush to stock up on vegetables for the winter, others... They can’t physically bring these vegetables home. That is why in the framework of the Republican youth marathon of the NGO “BRSM” “Dobro.Bel” is held the action “Good.Old”. The essence is simple and human: volunteers of the movement “Goodheart” help the elderly at fairs and markets with the delivery of agricultural products home or in the trunk of a car.

"Pretty wild." The central market of Vitebsk is noisy and crowded today. Carts, bags, bags with crops... And green vests with the BRSM emblem are volunteers, ninth graders of secondary school No. 28 named after E. S. Zenkova. It is easy to recognize them, and even easier to notice in the case: the guys scurry between the ranks, looking for those who need help.

But not all older buyers are immediately impressed with trust. The guys admit: they offer help - and in the eyes of grandparents, caution is read. “Are you sure you won’t cheat?” is a silent question that must be removed with a smile and patience.

That was the case with Zoya Sergeevna Studneva. "" A pensioner had just purchased a pair of small bags of potatoes and was trying to load them into her cart: only one fit. The woman spread her hands - what to do? - and then volunteers approached her.

- It's the first time I've been helped like this! - Zoya Sergeevna is sincerely surprised. - It's crazy for me. But nice! It's so nice! - and the face blurs in a smile.

Nine-graders Daniil Rovin and Bogdan Korolev picked up a bag and went to see off a new acquaintance to home - two stops from the market. We started talking on the way. Zoya Sergeevna sees this volunteer movement as a direct continuation of the traditions of the Timurians.

- I don’t have a cottage, so I have to go here to the market, buy a little, she says. - The forces are not the same, so it is very pleasant to receive such assistance. Thank you guys!

Daniel and Bogdan nod – they know this feeling when each bag becomes a test. That's why they're here, so people like Zoya Sergeevna can have a little easier time.

The help of the children came in handy today and Alla Alexandrovna Rybakova: volunteers loaded four bags of potatoes and cabbage into the car. When we ask her how she is assisted by volunteers, the answer is immediately:

- That's very nice! This is very important, especially for pensioners. Thanks for your help!

- We, the elderly, often feet hurt, backs break - it is difficult to convey weights. And this form - the volunteer movement of our Republican Youth Union - is very helpful. We are grateful and hope that they will continue to help us where necessary. Volunteers: Who are they? The guys reason: the volunteer movement is primarily helping those in need, and it is born at home, when you help parents, your own grandparents to wash dishes, clean the house, take out garbage, dig beds in the country.

Daniil Chistobayev is not a newcomer to good deeds: as an activist of the “Good Heart” movement, he already helped with the collection of animal feed, he participated in the “Gather your children to school” campaign.

- I always help my grandmother. Fixed a broken window frame in the country, chopped wood and harvested - this year there were many apples. It is not difficult for me, and for a person who is difficult to bend, this is a huge support, Danya shares.

- I like being helpful, helping someone. More than just carrying weights, the Good.Old action lasts all October. Volunteers work at major fairgrounds and markets in the city. Their task is to become “hands and feet” for older people who are embarrassed to ask for help.

But judging by the smiles and words of the participants, the result is mutual. Older people receive relief and human warmth, and young people have an important life lesson in compassion and responsibility.

Join us! If you see an elderly person who has difficulty carrying bags, offer your help. Sometimes one kind word and an outstretched hand mean more than any loud slogan.

alimova@sb.by