Ukraine native living in Pittsburgh going home to deliver life-saving supplies, help people escape

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pavel Shlyhovsky and his cousin will be boarding a plane tonight from Pittsburgh International Airport heading to Ukraine. His family fled Ukraine when he was six and he’ll be returning to his home village to help delivery life-saving supplies and help people escape to safety.

“The bombing hasn’t stopped,” Shlyhovsky tells Channel 11. “The struggle the people are going through hasn’t stopped. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. I’ve never been back. Unfortunately, times like this make you want to get back to your people.”

The trip will take two days just to get to his home village. The two will fly to London, then Poland. From there it’s an 11-hour car ride, a 12-hour train ride and another 2-hour car ride.

“I’m nervous,” Shlyhovsky added. “The city of Mikolaev was bombed and destroyed by Russia. My cousin was there a few weeks ago. He gave food to people and that might be the only food they see for a week.”

Shlyhovsky used donations from local businesses in Pittsburgh and organization to buy a van. That van will be used to deliver food for people and pets, generators, firewood, warm clothes, clean water and Christmas presents for kids. It will also be used to help people escape to safety. Many younger families have been able to escape, but Shlyhovsky says older folks who are less mobile have been left behind.

“We want to share the love and put a smile on someone’s face who is going through a tough time,” Shlyhovsky added. “We want to tell them we didn’t forget about them.”

Pavel’s sister-in-law will stay in Pittsburgh, helping refugees who have already left their homes in Ukraine or Russia. She’s nervous but so proud of Pavel’s selflessness.

“I think it’s the least we can do,” Victoria Shlyhovsky added. “Living in such a fortunate country. I’m blessed that I’m here and my parents immigrated here.”

“To know that’s going on in the country you’re born in — that your people are struggling there,” Shlyhovsky added. “I feel like we have to give back too.”

If you would like to help refugees who are now living in Pittsburgh, click here.

Many families are in need of everyday necessities from furniture to cook wear to transportation.

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