This year, Rheinmetall once again supported the “Schoolbags for Ukrainian first-graders” project initiated by the Cologne-based “Blau-Gelbes Kreuz e.V.” association. The German-Ukrainian association is committed to helping the people of this war-ravaged country. As well as backpacks for paramedics and first aid kits for expectant mothers, the team led by Linda Mai, the chairwoman of Blau-Gelbes Kreuz e.V. in Cologne, organises many other important aid and support services, such as school bags for Ukrainian first-graders.

“The first day at school is a milestone in every child’s life, one that is filled with joy and excitement. For children who have had to grow up in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion February 2024, with bomb alerts and sheltering in bunkers a daily reality, this day means a little time out from the war”, says Linda Mai. Good equipment and the prospect of a good education give them some confidence, hope and joy. After last year’s support campaign, Rheinmetall’s headquarters in Düsseldorf received a large number of pictures and photos. Children had painted them in the basement during air raids to express their gratitude and joy at the beautiful school equipment.

This year, Rheinmetall is again donating 240 school satchels, complete with supplies for the first day of school. Four Rheinmetall employees visited the association’s warehouse in Cologne to help pack the satchels on site.

Bildergalerie

The team quickly found an efficient way of dividing up the task of filling the pink and blue satchels with folders, pens and plasticine in no time at all. In addition to the packing, there was also time to exchange ideas with members of the association, who greatly appreciated the support. There was a short break for refreshments with ‘Wareniki’, a Ukrainian dumpling speciality.

During the support visit, there were also opportunities for personal stories that provided an authentic and unfiltered glimpse into the emotional world of the Ukrainians. Mothers and children alike expressed their gratitude in personal conversations for the military support that directly benefits the father at the front, as well as for the humanitarian support from Germany for the family left behind in Ukraine. Every child without exception was familiar with the Leopard and Marder tanks, which are well known in Ukraine for the role they play in the country’s defence.

A short tour of the warehouse in Cologne-Rodenkirchen and a photo book with collected memories of the past two and a half years quickly conveyed how valuable offers of support such as those from the association are.

During the visit to the hall, it also became clear that the Blue-Yellow Cross does more than ‘just’ send urgently needed relief supplies to Ukraine. The association also fosters Ukrainian culture. At the end of the day, numerous mothers dressed in traditional costumes met with their children on site to perform various dances and songs. The Rheinmetall support team felt honoured. The Rheinmetall support team was touched by so much gratitude and warmth and delighted by the brief journey into Ukrainian culture.