Hi all! My name is Viera Matysakova. I am from Slovakia, but my family and I have lived in South Wales for over 17 years. People who know me know I am passionate about helping people in need. As a response to the humanitarian crises caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, my sister Renata Dubec and her husband Milan Dubec have set up Camp Zilina - a short and long term accommodation provided for refugees regardless of their country of origin, ethnicity, religion or gender identity. Over a week ago, my brother-in-law’s foundation 'Milan Dubec Foundation' created a safe place for over 300 exhausted people fleeing from Ukraine.

The free accommodation includes beds, toilets, showers, toiletries, a kitchen and food. An incredible team of volunteers have been working non-stop, turning unused offices into dormitories, collecting and sorting donations. They have been welcoming and supporting refugees, organising paperwork, transport, sim cards, securing psychological, medical, material and financial help, etc. Most volunteers have not managed to sleep for more than 3 hours a day, leaving their own children with relatives, to secure 24-hour support for others.

You can follow individual stories of those who have fled on Facebook Camp Zilina. The accommodation capacity is growing daily alongside the need for help. There has been more hostels set up in Zilina and another camp in the capital city, Bratislava. Altogether they now provide over 650 beds.

Camp Zilina offers breakfast and lunch, which has been partially covered by donations and sponsors. Post Cafe run by my brother Lukas and his wife Natalia, have been helping to cook hot meals for everyone in Camp Zilina. Reinoo employees, family members, friends and many other voluneers have stepped in and helped with organising, driving, shopping and offering front line assistance in the camp as well as on the phone or online. Everyone is chipping in as much as they can. However, there is a need to cover the cost of the food provided, which equals 12 Euros per person per day. In addition, further support needed by individuals and families, either settling down in Slovakia or moving to different regions or countries.

To sustain Camp Zilina’s ability to provide necessary resources, my husband Marcel, children, Alzbeta and Klara, and I have created this fundraiser. The most effective way you can help make a difference is by donating. All the money collected will be sent to the account of Milan Dubec Foundation SK7909000000005188036306 and will be used as needed to support the people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

If you have Slovakian bank account, you can donate directly via a transparent account SK7909000000005188036306.

More information via news articles Europe Cities, Spectator SME, Dennik N, Aktuality,

Thank you very much for your donations! It makes a huge difference!