Since Russia launched a series of attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, saving electricity has been a part of daily life for thousands of people. Power outages are increasingly common, both in public and private lighting, power outages caused by bombing and technical blockages to try to save as much power as possible so as not to overload the grid. The government has asked citizens to use it sparingly, being careful about the consumption of washing machines and electric stoves, especially during peak times in the morning and evening.
According to Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo, about 1,000 specialists work around the clock in the most difficult conditions and often risk their lives to restore power within hours of the bombing. "We can maintain this pace thanks to previously built stocks of necessary equipment. In addition, we receive support from European network operators who are helping us with consumables and equipment to repair and restore our infrastructure facilities," says Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukrenergo, in the Austrian daily Der Standard.
In Lviv, the Salesians are managing to carry on hosting activities at the former foster home with the help of two generator sets donated thanks to the efforts of the Salesian Mission Office "Missioni Don Bosco" of Turin. The power generators were procured by Mr. Sandro Boesso, a Salesian past pupil from the province of Venice, who was commissioned by "Missioni Don Bosco" to retrieve and ship them. The transport was very complex and long, but by early April the two generators had already arrived at their destination and were installed and put into operation immediately. These are two essential tools to keep the house that has now become a shelter for hundreds of people from plunging into darkness, used also to shelter wounded people, give assistance to pregnant women and children without families, people who have lost their homes, and people who have escaped from the most dangerous places.
"The light these days is often lacking even in Lviv; however, thanks to 'Missions Don Bosco', we have the possibility to always have energy," commented with gratitude Fr. Chaban Mykhaylo, a Ukrainian Salesian, originally from Lviv itself, and Superior of the "Mary Help of Christians" Vice-Province of Greek Catholic Ukraine (UKR).
Read more at: www.missionidonbosco.org
