Dear Rotary Community Members and Friends
Today is a special day—a symbol of the unity of our nations, international cooperation, and the efforts we all make to uphold Rotary’s ideals.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, my family has faced severe challenges. I had to leave my native Kharkiv, where my parents, mother, and brother remained, and seek a safe place for my wife and five children. However, personal hardships did not stop me – I was determined to help others. By coordinating efforts with international organizations, we managed to evacuate over 150 Ukrainian families to various countries, including the Netherlands and Japan.
But our support did not stop at evacuation. Over this time, we have implemented numerous social initiatives, humanitarian missions, and projects.
Establishing the Ukrainian Rotary Community in the Netherlands
It soon became clear that Ukrainians who had been forced to leave their homeland needed to unite. This led to the creation of a community in the Netherlands that became a support platform for those displaced from Ukraine.
A year into the war, we were able to organize an important meeting, during which I accompanied the Ukrainian Governor of Rotary District 2232, Vitalii Lesko. This was a trip to express gratitude to the Rotarians of Europe and the Netherlands for their tremendous support of Ukraine. It was during this time that discussions began on creating an Intercountry Committee (ICC) between Ukraine and the Netherlands.
It was a great honor for me to lead the initiative group working on this project from the Ukrainian side, in collaboration with Dutch Rotarians.
A Historic Moment: The Official Opening of the Rotary Intercountry Committee
On February 24, 2024, in the suburbs of The Hague, a historic charter signing ceremony marked the official opening of the Rotary Ukraine-Netherlands Intercountry Committee.
More than 30 Rotarians from Ukraine attended the event, including:
- Olga Paliychuk, Governor-Nominee;
- Delegates from the Rotary Club of Cherkasy;
- Alexander Karasevich, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands;
- Representatives of diplomatic institutions and the Dutch side, including Bauke Boersma, Chairman of the Netherlands-Ukraine Intercountry Committee.
This day was not only the official start of a new phase in our cooperation but also a symbol of the unwavering friendship between our nations.
Committee Activities and New Prospects
Over the past six months, ICC Nederland – Oekra ne has made a significant contribution strengthening ties between Ukraine and the Netherlands. We have carried out several vital humanitarian initiatives, supported refugees, and engaged in new international projects.
For me personally, this work took on even deeper meaning when my wife and I welcomed our sixth child in the Netherlands. It became a symbol of a new beginning, hope, and belief in a better future.
Gratitude to the King of the Netherlands and the International Community
Another notable event was presenting a symbolic gift to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on behalf of the Ukrainian people and the Rotarians of Ukraine. This was a gesture of gratitude for the support that the Netherlands has provided to our country during these difficult times.
I am deeply grateful to each of you for your support and hope that our cooperation will only grow stronger. Together, we are shaping a future built on mutual assistance, trust, and shared values.
With respect, Oleksii Tryfonov
Chairman of the Rotary Ukraine-Netherlands Intercountry Committee
Amsterdam, Netherlands
