Report by Ms. Alexandra Taulien, the City of Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
Mülheim an der Ruhr and Ivano-Frankivsk are cousin cities, linked by their joint town twinning with the Polish city of Opole. As the traditional transport routes of the aid transport of the Tschernobyl-Initiative Mülheim to Belarus remain blocked, this year’s Christmas transport “Shoeboxes of Hope” is again going to the Ukrainian city in order to send a message of hope to families in these difficult times.
In December 2025, the humanitarian transport carrying more than 1,000 “Shoeboxes of Hope” and additional material donations from local partners departed from Mülheim an der Ruhr to the Ukrainian cousin city Ivano-Frankivsk, with a stop in the Polish twin town Opole. The packages, prepared by families, schools, kindergartens and local institutions, were schedulded to arrive before Christmas to support children and seniors in these difficult times.
The transport was officially sent off in the presence of Lord Mayor Marc Buchholz who emphasized the strong sense of solidarity within the Mülheim community and the importance of standing by the people of Ivano-Frankivsk in difficult times.
The initiative was made possible through broad local support, including contributions from hospitals, schools, social organizations, companies and volunteers. With medical supplies, warm clothing, IT donations and personal gifts. The project demonstrated how many individuals and institutions are committed to offering hope and practical assistance.
The initiative strengthens international solidarity, compassion and community engagement and it that way makes a meaningful contribution to support a culture of peace.
Photos: courtesy of The City of Mülheim an der Ruhr
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