Approximately 130 kilograms of wax, 240 various batteries, 17 lamps, lighters, and power banks have been collected so far in the “Light and Warmth for Ukraine” campaign organized by Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJŠ) in Košice. The collected materials were handed over on Wednesday to the Feman association, which will arrange their transport to Ukraine, the university spokesperson Laura Hoľanová informed TASR.
Students and staff contributed wax, unfinished or new candles, tea lights, lamps, flashlights, headlamps, power banks, and various types of batteries at 17 collection points on the university campus. Originally planned to run until the end of January, the campaign was extended until 15 February due to enormous interest. Given urgent needs and severe cold, the collected items are being sent to Ukraine immediately.
“Candles, wax, and batteries will be transported today to the city of Uzhhorod, where they will be delivered to Sister Marietta of the Congregatio Jesu. From there, they will be distributed wherever this help is awaited. The wax will be used to make trench candles, which are crucial for residents affected by the war in areas without electricity and for their survival,” said Zakarpattia ambassador and Feman director Eduard Buraš.
According to UPJŠ Vice-Rector Slávka Tomaščíková, the university is aware of its social responsibility and seeks to lead not only in education, science, and research but also in civil society development and altruistic aid. She noted that the wax collection has been organized in previous academic years as well. “Through our cooperation with the Feman association, we remained in contact with its director, who informed us of a renewed shortage of collected materials in Ukraine. Since our staff and students showed great interest and willingness to participate, we decided without hesitation to support another edition of the collection,” she added.
Source: TASR
