Hungarian volunteers establish children’s corner in Budapest for refugees

Photo: Gyereksarok-Keleti Facebook group

Volunteers and charity organisation workers have established a children’s corner in the Keleti Railway Station in Budapest to provide Ukrainian refugee mothers with a space where they can take care of their children.

Since the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out, thousands of refugees have fled from the conflict through the Hungarian border and locals have proved that they are willing to help if their neighbours and fellow Hungarians are in danger.

Since the onset of the military conflict, charity organisations have gathered aid for people in Transcarpathia and set up refugee support points at the border crossings.

Additionally, one of Hungary’s largest hotels was reopened to provide accommodation for refugees. Some of the wealthiest Hungarians also sent help in the form of money, paid accommodation or food.

Read also: Could Ukrainian refugees solve the Hungarian labour shortage?

And now, Szeretlekmagyarország reported that some volunteers have created a children’s corner at the Keleti Railway Station out of nothing but the donations of everyday citizens.

The initiative started out as a Facebook group, called Gyereksarok-Keleti, which grew quickly. Two days ago, they counted 500 members, while they are nearly at 2,000 members now.

According to Blikk, the main goal of the group is to provide help for refugee children and create a friendly environment for mothers where they can take care of their children.

Volunteers are also happy to help mothers in need with changing diapers, helping children to use a potty and even nursing from a bottle.

Read also: How do the richest Hungarians help Ukrainian refugees?

According to the group’s administrator, Flóra K., they would like to establish a 3 metres by 3 metres tent at the station, to be able to properly separate mothers who would like to breastfeed their children or change the little ones’ diapers.

They said that they no longer need new clothes, because they have more than needed, but highlighted that donations of feeding bottles, baby spoons and baby carriages are always welcome.

From policemen to volunteers to refugees, so far everyone agreed that the initiative was a great idea. Children can play with donated toys which will distract them from the havoc for a little while, while mothers can finally take a big breath and relax among attentive and helping volunteers.