We want to tell you about memory. The kind of memory that acts.
On October 20, it was three years since the death of soldier Volodymyr Orlov, known by his call sign Orel/Eagle/.
On October 21, our foundation’s workshop received a donation of 61,000 UAH from his wife, Pavlyna, marked:
“From the family of Volodymyr Orlov. October, the third anniversary of remembrance.”
This is a significant contribution, and far from her first. So we asked Volodymyr’s wife about her motivation. What follows needs no commentary – every word speaks for itself:
“After Volodymyr’s death, I donated most of my money to volunteer fundraisers of friends, relatives, and trustworthy, competent foundations. But over time, I realised that I needed a systematic approach, and I began looking for a direction where my regular donation would have the greatest impact.
In November 2023, following the advice of my manager at the time, I contacted his acquaintances who worked in a drone workshop and were constantly raising funds for “Devices for Defence.” In the description of that fundraiser, there was a link to the April Foundation’s news channel, and through it, I learned that I could contribute to the workshop not only financially, but also with manual work.
After losing Volodya, I had a deep sense of losing myself – of helplessness and feeling unneeded. I felt I wasn’t doing enough, that I needed to do more, so Volodya’s sacrifice would not be in vain. I decided to overcome this confusion when, in April 2024, I gathered the courage to call Oleksandra and ask if I could join the workshop. To be braver, I brought my younger brother Taras, who then and now helps and supports me and my son a lot.
From the very first visit, I was impressed by how clearly and professionally Oleksandra conducted the instruction, showed the basics of drone assembly, supported me at every stage, and guided my work. That first time took many hours and a million questions, but when I completed all the steps, I felt a deep sense of calm.
As if all those movements with the soldering iron, bolts, and screws were part of therapy, helping me regain control over my life. Because if I could assemble a drone, solder wires, attach a camera, then perhaps I could handle everything else in my life, even though Volodya was no longer beside me.
Working in the Drone Workshop and donating to components meant becoming more involved in helping our military – something incredibly important for those who have lost loved ones in this war. So aside from direct benefit, the Workshop also brought me therapeutic healing.
Due to various circumstances, I couldn’t come often, but during the times I worked there, I was deeply impressed by the involvement of the foundation’s head, Mr. Yuriy – his support, his cheerful spirit, and his professionalism.
All this experience made it easy for me to choose the April Foundation when I decided to launch a Memorial Collection on October 20 for the third anniversary of Volodymyr’s death, and to share information about the foundation with our relatives and friends, inviting them to join this form of remembrance.
Because Memory has no hands but ours. And as long as we are alive, we must do everything to ensure that Volodya’s sacrifice is not in vain.”
In the photo, soldier Volodymyr and his wife Pavlyna.
The cursed war separated them.
But it could not divide them. Because where there is love and action, even death is powerless.
Eternal glory to the warrior! Our deepest respect and gratitude to his family for keeping his memory alive through action.