Foreign bloggers John Dougan and Michael Johns have brought presents to an orphanage and an education and rehabilitation center in Lugansk on Saint Nicholas Day.
Lugansk People’s Republic Foreign Minister Vladislav Deinego visited the facilities together with the foreign guests who brought sweetmeats, books, creativity and sewing kits, table games such as lotto and domino, a portable acoustic system, earphones, music books and personal hygiene items.
“We would like to thank Vladislav Deinego and all those who have been helping us,” Johns said. It’s not only the result of our efforts; a huge number of people from all over the world took part in it, who transferred their money to us to buy all these things. People from western countries were very willing to help, too, they very much want to participate.”
He added that business people from the Moscow region had helped to gather gifts for children.
Deinego thanked the foreign bloggers and donors for caring and for supporting Donbass.
“You kind-heartedly helped to prepare for the New Year holidays and Christmas, decided to give your best wishes to children of our Republic, brought presents to them and all kinds of tasty things. Thank you very much for making our children happy and involving very many people from across the world, who learnt more about our Republic and its problems, who treated our situation with understanding,” the minister said.
Director of Lugansk Orphanage No 1 Viktoria Mochalova said that the children were always glad to see guests.
“Unexpectedly, we have guests today, our friends who have come to offer their best wishes, give presents and make our children happy on this remarkable day. I hope we’ll make friends and see you again,” she said.
The Orthodox believers venerate Saint Nicholas on December 19 and May 22. Saint Nicholas is a patron of the afflicted empathic to people’s troubles, a charity giver and miracle worker.
The legend has it that Saint Nicholas comes to children overnight to December 19 to give gifts to those who behaved well throughout the year. Disobedient children discover a twig or a short stick by bedside instead of a present in the morning. Gifts from Saint Nicholas are usually put under the pillow or in the shoes which children puts out on the window sill.*i*v
