Passing on the Gift in Ukraine

05 April 2009

KRUTOIARIVKA, Ukraine—In less than two years, the eight families that originally received heifers from Heifer Ukraine became donors themselves and passed on the gift to other families.

In Krutoiarivka, the Passing on the Gift ceremony was combined with the Cow Festival, a traditional Ukrainian holiday symbolizing the day when cows are let onto the pastures after winter. Local artist performed traditional music, people danced, cooks competed to make the best dairy dishes, dignitaries spoke.

People of several nationalities—Russians, Ukrainian, Moldovan—reside in the village. At the ceremony, cows were passed from members of one nationality to another. Another cow was given to a family who suffered a setback last year when both of their cows—their main means of sustenance—were killed by lightning.

Cows were also passed on to families with sick or disabled children. “We are passing on this heifer to the Karaush family,” said Liubov Kretsu. “One of their children recently had a difficult surgery, which also took all the family’s savings.” He hopes the cow will bring them improved sustenance and income from selling surplus milk. “We are glad we can help our neighbors through tough times.”