Page 33 - Book about Friendship and Future.Stories of Volunteers.

Ruslan Erezheev

KFC Lenta 9th of May
Krasnoyarsk

We Offer No Gifts But Our Support

It was not easy to start cooperating with the orphanage #2.
And to establish communications with the kids was even a great-
er challenge. For the first time we brought the game “Mysterium”
as part of the charity program “Generation Choice” implemented
by the KFC Corporate Charity Fund “Opening Horizons”. When
we gathered in the hall, the kids were far from optimistic. We
held too long an introduction trying to win their favor. However,
the first words of the 14-year-old student Lera were, “We all know
that you are just doing your job. It will be better if you leave now,
we say that we liked it and you are free – everyone is happy.”
We insisted on holding the game. And the kids got really im-
pressed. Without admitting it Lera announced, “OK, we liked it.
You may come again.” This was a small win, but a win.
Time passed by. We were getting used to the kids and they
were getting used to us. The next visits went smoothly, the kids
were looking forward to our visits and of course, we were, as
well. In May this year we were invited the volunteers to attend
the prom.
Staying on the stage, we decided to tell the truth, “We are
not offering any gifts or vivid congratulations, but we have come
to support you at this crucial moment and to have some tea with
a cake.” Our sassy kids were trying to hold their feelings, but
emotions prevailed. The girls burst into tears and even the reluc-
tant ones wished to speak up. They stood there, with their voices
trembling and the tears of joy on their faces, and Lera started,
“We did not expect that at all, we thought you would not come,
but thank you for coming, for having trouble with us for so long,
you have made us happy.” There were a lot of confessions and
sincere apologies. And then some tea with cakes.
As a person I have a need – to invest into the world, people
and society. There are lots of reasons, but only one interest: the
desire to share what I have in excess with those who need it. No
magic: if you feel power greater than is required for one – share it.