BRADENTON, FL — As the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, a clinical social worker in Bradenton is doing what she can to raise money for those living in the war-torn country.
Mary Moonen creates and sells jewelry, sending the money overseas to Ukrainians who remain in their native country. She often sets up a table at the Village of the Arts’ monthly art walk on the first Friday and Saturday of the month, and also takes custom orders.
When Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February 2022, she watched the news in horror.
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“When I saw all these residences and railway stations and stores were being bombed, I knew that all these civilians were being murdered,” Moonen told Patch. “These are innocent people. And then I saw the clips of the people who couldn’t leave, like people with disabilities. If somebody is blind or deaf, how are they gonna flee? If they’re in a wheelchair, how are they going to flee when under attack? And those who could leave, all they could take was a backpack and they were forced to make brutal choices, like having to leave their family pet. It was life or death and they had to choose life for themselves.”
She immediately wanted to help those forced to stay behind.
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“As social workers, part of our ethics is that we help the underserved, that we help people that are oppressed, that we stand up against victimization,” she said. “We basically fight against social injustices, whether they’re local or global.”
An amateur musician, Moonen has connected with other music lovers and performers across the globe over the years through online communities. This included those with ties to Ukraine, such as classic rock musician Serge Tiagniryadno from Kyiv and a German, Michael Krogur, whose fiancée is from Ukraine and who also owns a business and warehouse there.
So far, she’s raised $2,000 through jewelry sales. She sends the money mostly to Tiagniryadno and Krogur, who help provide humanitarian resources and aid to those in Ukraine during the war.
“I couldn’t just ignore what was going on. I can’t just say nothing or do nothing because apathy is another killer,” Moonen said. “The biggest thing is I want people to ask, what can I do as just one person? Because I’m just one person — I’m not a not-for-profit agency — but I have the supplies, I have the time and I have an opportunity. The ultimate message is the power of one person to make a difference and help these people across the world.”
Those interested in custom ordering jewelry through Moonen can call her at 941-962-6784.
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