Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "A Heart Devoted to Donetsk Region" Olesia Khrystoforova
Hello, my name is Olesia Khrystoforova. I was born in 1995. I used to live in the village of Velyka Novosilka, Volnovakha district. Currently, I work in the Volnovakha District State Administration, District Military Administration, as the Head of the Information Activities and Public Communications Sector.
My choice was clear back in 2014. As a first-year student at Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University, I attended pro-Ukrainian rallies in Donetsk, despite fear, pressure, and uncertainty. When the city became occupied, together with the university, I made a conscious step into the unknown and moved to Vinnytsia, leaving behind my home, friends, and familiar life. This was my first, but not my last, choice in favor of Ukraine, freedom, and truth.
The specialty I pursued was political science and public administration. Already in Vinnytsia, far from home, I realized that I truly wanted to dedicate my life to serving people, my Donetsk region, and Ukraine. Being useful, initiating changes that make life better – this became my inner need. After completing my master's degree, I began my professional journey in the Velyka Novosilka District State Administration.
On the morning of February 24, 2022, my husband, our one-year-old daughter, and I were in our apartment in Velyka Novosilka. Initially, we intended to stay in the village as long as possible. Back then, there were instructions in Telegram channels about "removing road signs" and constructing anti-tank hedgehogs. We really wanted to be useful, but when Russian troops captured Volnovakha and the enemy began advancing further, with nearby settlements coming under shelling, we decided to evacuate to western Ukraine to relatives. That's how we ended up in Uzhhorod.
From day one, my husband joined volunteer communities: unloading trucks and sorting humanitarian aid. Later, Oleksandr became a volunteer for the "Family of Christ" Charitable Foundation. I was at home with our daughter, but I couldn't just sit idly by. My husband and I kept in touch with volunteers who were helping the military in our Volnovakha district. Initially, we managed to cover some needs with our own resources, but the guys from our Territorial Defense needed much more — from bulletproof vests to thermal imagers. That's when I suggested organizing a fundraiser to be at least somewhat useful for our native village, and to show the residents of our Velyka Novosilka that we are united, holding on, and supporting our defenders. That's how we announced our first fundraiser for the soldiers defending the Velyka Novosilka direction.
At that time, we managed to collect 182,000 hryvnias and purchased even more than we expected. When we handed over the purchased bulletproof vests to the Territorial Defense and the army defending Velyka Novosilka, and told them how many people, filled with the spirit of patriotism and national unity, had joined in, and how much had been raised, it greatly inspired and pleasantly surprised the soldiers. This fundraiser became a significant impetus. It became clear that people wanted to help but didn't know exactly how. And the military needed help. We became the link that united these aspirations.
Since then, fundraisers have become a regular part of our lives. The further we went, the harder it became to raise sums of 100,000 hryvnias and more, so we started inventing various incentives. For example, exclusive postage stamps dedicated to current events in Ukraine, for which we had to stand in line at the Ukrposhta branch for hours.
For one of the fundraisers, we managed to get autographs from FC Shakhtar players, who signed a flag that went to the owner of the largest donation. Painted shells and tubes, souvenir patriotic products, even clothing – these were some of the ways we tried to encourage residents. Attending concerts and "guarding" celebrities for autographs, asking to repost fundraisers, as was the case with Andriy Bednyakov, who had just returned from Velyka Novosilka at the time and knew how difficult it was for the military in our area. For Vyshyvanka Day in 2025, the Velyka Novosilka village administration held a vyshyvanka photo contest, where the grand prize was a vacuum cleaner. I participated in this event, showcasing a self-embroidered shirt, and as a result of the audience vote, I received the main prize, which we then raffled off for a donation. Our little daughter Leisan also participates in all the fundraisers. She is 4 years old, and so far her biggest contribution is over 20,000 hryvnias, which she earned through an online concert in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As of July 2025, we have conducted about 50 fundraisers. Thanks to donations from caring Ukrainians, we have been able to raise over 4,000,000 UAH and help more than 23 brigades. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we have received 11,947 donations. A large amount of necessary equipment has been transferred to the defenders of our Volnovakha district – from ammunition to drones, EW systems, and vehicles.
During the full-scale war, I had the honor of receiving Commendations from the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the special unit of the National Police of Ukraine "Luhansk-1 named after Hero of Ukraine Serhii Hubanov," the "For Dignity and Patriotism" award from the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, as well as chevrons and flags.
Also, from time to time, together with other volunteers, we visit the Uzhhorod Military Hospital. We bring homemade treats, learn about their needs, and simply communicate with the wounded defenders.
In our team with my husband, I play the role of ideological inspirer, communicator, and organizer of fundraisers through my social networks. I prepare texts, respond to messages, conceptualize visuals, devise ways to engage people in donations, and conduct raffles. All these tasks have become a part of my life. I am always in touch – I respond to every request in direct messages from the military. If we have the opportunity to help, we transfer the necessary items through a friendly humanitarian fund. It is important for me that every soldier knows that there are people behind them who will not leave them alone with their needs. I feel responsible for my small homeland, and that is why I cannot remain silent or stand aside.
In every decision, every step, and every action, I am guided by love for the people and the land from which I come. Donetsk region is not just my homeland; it is my choice, my responsibility, and my strength. My heart is 100% devoted to it, even despite the temporary occupation, pain, and losses. I believe in its restoration and work every day for this purpose.