RC Poprad, like many other clubs and especially the Rotary Foundation, joined the effort to support war-stricken Ukraine immediately after the Russian forces invaded in February 2022. Trains carrying humanitarian aid—including coal, medical and hygiene supplies, medicine, food, water, sleeping bags, and clothing—began departing regularly from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to Ukrainian stations. They returned carrying refugees.

A month later, in March 2022, alongside humanitarian aid, they started transporting rescue equipment and ambulances to Ukraine. Their efforts have continued steadfastly, and for nearly two and three-quarter years now, they have been delivering mainly rescue and utility vehicles, personal vehicles, and additional humanitarian aid to Ukrainian territories.

Petro Tokač, a member of RC Poprad, has played a significant role in these efforts, and I would like to take this opportunity to ask him a few insightful questions.

Petro, I know it’s been nearly three years, but do you still remember your first trip to Ukraine during the war?

Yes, on 25 February 2022, I travelled to Uzhhorod, bringing 200 litres of diesel fuel (fuel sales in Ukraine had been suspended since 24 February 2022) for a generator we used at a hotel in the Ukrainian Carpathians to aid the rehabilitation of police officers returning from eastern regions since 2014. It took me about five hours to convince the Ukrainian border guards that the fuel wasn’t intended for terrorist activities against Ukraine (my passport contained a stamp from Russian border control from December 2021).

Were you afraid? What was going through your mind as you crossed the border back then?

I didn’t feel fear, my mind was clear. After crossing the Ukrainian border, there’s a two-lane road-both lanes in each direction were filled with people fleeing, and I had to carefully make my way against the flow of people in the opposite direction.

How did you feel returning home? Has the war changed your view of the world or life?

My perspective on russia changed (I now write the name of this country in lowercase), as well as on many friends and business partners. My view of the world shifted-I see it as flawed-but my outlook on life itself remains unchanged.

How many vehicles have you delivered to Ukraine to date?

By the end of November 2024, a total of 130 vehicles will have been delivered. Among them are approximately 50 ambulances, 4 trailers-one of which serves as a mobile headquarters.

The largest convoy to cross the border included 18 ambulances!

How many people are involved in the project?

How do you acquire the vehicles, equipment, and humanitarian aid? Who finances the entire project?

Initially, the ambulance project was funded by District 2240 through the Rotary Foundation, but over time, these resources were depleted.

The delivery vans, minibuses, and pickups were financed through voluntary contributions and resources from my own family.

If other clubs or individuals want to get involved, how can they do so?

They can donate a vehicle, send supplies, or contribute financially...

You’ve been a member of RC Poprad for a short time (since January 2024). Does your joining Rotary relate to your support for Ukraine?

Vladimír Grünvaldsky introduced me to the Rotary movement 10 years ago; our children attended the same high school. And yes, it was the war and Pope Francis's membership in Rotary that ultimately led me to join.

Thank you! Thank you not only for answering these questions but also for the help you and your colleagues are providing!

MS