Victoria Tonkonog is a new and particularly valuable volunteer in the city of Bishkek with her own unique story. At the age of three, she developed a severe disability due to a musculoskeletal system disorder and practically does not leave her home, receiving all the necessary assistance from Hesed.

During the pandemic, Victoria actively communicated with Hesed volunteers, participating in the "Food security," "Let's Connect," and "Holiday in Every Home" programs. Volunteers taught her how to use the internet, take virtual courses on drawing, and save her poetic works (Victoria writes poetry) in electronic format.

In one of the conversations with Hesed staff, Victoria expressed a desire to become a volunteer, fearing that her physical condition might be a hindrance. However, we found a special volunteer role for her—Victoria has been congratulating elderly wards on their birthdays for several months now. She does it creatively, incorporating her artistic approach, and both sides derive pleasure from this experience.

Victoria notes that volunteering gives her a sense of purpose, instills a feeling of involvement in a common cause, the joy of interacting with many people she didn't know before. Hesed's wards always express joy at the attention they receive on their birthdays from Victoria.

My name is Victoria. I am 37 years old. I have three children. I have got a degree in medicine and I am a lifelong learner. I have recently returned from Moscow where I attended extension courses in immunohistochemistry.

I like to take a nap, have a cup of coffee, take pictures, travel, do some needlework.

My first experience as a volunteer was in 1997 when we were packing food and hygiene kits. After that, I participated in all charity events and other activities carried out in our Jewish Community. I can talk about that for hours.

I have noticed that there are 2 types of volunteers: active and passive ones. I belong to the second group. I never come up with new ideas, I only do what I am told to do. But whenever my help is needed, I am always there.

Volunteer activities have become very popular nowadays, and I always take pictures in the Jewish Community Center. I have even held an exhibition of family photos within the framework of the project called Family Memories Are Jewish Community Memories.

Within the framework of the charity event dedicated to the International Children’s Day, I gave master classes to children and we sewed puppets for the show which was performed in the orphanage. My eldest daughter Margo helped me give a master class in body art at Purim Fair.

Besides, I am a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

And I am always eager to help others