Refugees from Ukraine Transform Cluj Playground in Act of Gratitude Towards Romania
In the heart of Cluj County, Romania, a remarkable act of gratitude has taken place. The Ukrainian community, in particular the residents of Floreshti, have restored a playground as a token of appreciation for the support they received from the Romanian people during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The project, named the "Friendship Park," was a grassroots effort, entirely funded and carried out by members of the Ukrainian community from Cluj and Floreshti. The park, previously shunned by families due to its old, rusty, and dangerous equipment, has been rehabilitated and is now a safe haven for children to play.
The renovation was a collaborative effort, with refugees, young parents, students, and volunteers from the local community pitching in. No external organizations or sponsors were involved in the process. Instead, the community rallied together, with many offering help and resources such as electricity and equipment.
Initiated three years after the start of the war, the project was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian community. Despite initial challenges, such as being told they couldn't intervene because the park is private property, they persevered. The Association of Ukrainian Youth in Romania (ATUR) collected signatures to allow them to restore the playground, but ultimately, it was the community's collective effort that made the project a success.
Anna Shevchenko, vice president of ATUR, highlighted the community's spirit in her statements to monitorulcj.ro. She noted that the renovation was a way for Ukrainian refugees to express gratitude to the Romanians for their support during the war.
The "Friendship Park" stands as a symbol of unity and cooperation between the Ukrainian and Romanian communities. It serves as a reminder of the power of community action and the enduring spirit of gratitude in the face of adversity.
The "Friendship Park" not only caters to the children's lifestyle of outdoor-living, but also serves as a symbol of the harmonious home-and-garden union between the Ukrainian and Romanian communities. Despite the initial obstacles and private property restrictions, the collective spirit of the Ukrainian community ensured the success of this grassroots project, embodying the enduring spirit of gratitude and community bonding.
