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When a full-scale war broke out, the small Swiss village of Kalnach suddenly became part of a great story of support. It all started with a chance meeting between local residents and Ukrainian refugees. The Swiss simply asked: “How can we help?” Thus was born a Swiss charity project "Kalnach–Bashtanka", which in two years has delivered tens of tons of aid to Ukraine: clothes, food, generators, a bus, hospital furniture, and children's goods. But the most important thing is human relationships, trust, and the feeling that you have not been forgotten.
From idea to first aid truck
The founders of the initiative were Stephan Barraud and Knut Decker. In March 2022, they got together with three other residents of Kalnach and decided: “Let’s do it. Let’s help.” First — with clothes and shoes, later — with food, generators, and later — even with transportation. “We didn’t plan to help Bashtantsi right away. But when we went to Ukraine and met with a partner organization, they offered us this city. We trusted them. And it was the best decision,” says Stefan.
Bashtanka, home to over 12,000 people, was partially occupied at the beginning of the war. Later, it became a place where internally displaced persons arrived en masse. Therefore, any help was appropriate.
Delivery "by hand" and with heart
Stefan has personally traveled to Ukraine five times, delivering aid directly — through the city administration, social services, hospitals, schools. He doesn’t speak Ukrainian, but he has built friendly, almost family-like connections. “I know the mayor, his deputies, social service workers, the youth forum. We communicate through an interpreter, but with each trip our understanding of each other becomes deeper,” Stefan shares. Each trip is not just a humanitarian mission. It is a sign of solidarity. It is a hug across the border. It is a way to show: “We are there. You are not alone.”
From clothes to buses: big things from a small initiative
On the first trips, they carried warm clothes, food, blankets, and shoes. Then — 12 generators, because the city often loses power. Later, a request came from the city: they needed a bus. “We bought a used, but high-quality Volvo bus from the Fribourg transport company and gave it to Bashtanka. Now it carries football players and replaces school buses when they break down,” says Knut. This was the biggest project, but far from the last.
Small things that make a big difference
“We deliberately focused only on Bashtanka. Our resources are small, but thanks to this we know everyone we help. We see people's eyes. We hear a 'thank you' that you can't translate, but you can feel with your heart,” adds Knut.
Among the latest initiatives are furniture for the homes of the elderly, support for a youth forum, paints for the Holi festival, support for local doctors and educators. Soon, another trip with new aid and the planting of the symbolic "Tree of Peace" will take place: a maple from the Kyiv Nursery will decorate one of the central squares of Bashtanka.
"We don't change the world - we just don't forget people"
Today, collecting donations has become more difficult. People in Europe are getting tired. There are other topics in the news. But for those who continue to help, Ukraine is not just news, but people with names, stories and needs. “We are not looking for millions. Participation is important to us. Every franc and every good thought is an action,” say Stefan and Knut. Kalnach–Bashtanka is just such a story. And it continues. You can transfer help through the website — every franc turns into warmth, action and care.
