Refer China: Ukrainian Expat with PR Helps Flood-Hit Central China

Ukrainian expat with China PR holder slept in car to help flood relief in Hupingshan Town, clearing mud. 'This is my second hometown,' he said.

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Central China

Flood Relief

Expat Volunteer

Community Service

Permanent Resident

Flood-Hit Central China: Ukrainian Expat, PR Holder Stepped Up to Help

On May 19, amidst the thick mud and debris of a disaster relief site in Hupingshan Town, Shimen County, volunteers were working tirelessly to clear the streets. Among them, one face stood out and caught people’s attention—a foreign guy covered in mud, swinging a shovel alongside the locals. This was Alex, a Ukrainian expat who has called China his home for over a decade.

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It turns out Alex was actually just enjoying a regular trip through western Hunan when he caught wind of the severe disaster in the area. Some might have taken a detour to safety, but Alex did the exact opposite. He made a quick stop to buy himself some rain boots and a shovel, and headed straight toward the damage. He rolled into town late on the evening of May 18 and, instead of looking for a cozy hotel, simply spent the night sleeping in his car to be ready for the morning.

When the sun came up, Alex saw that the local cleanup crews were seriously short-handed, so he didn’t hesitate for a second. He jumped right into the thick of it and spent the entire day clearing heavy sludge from the roads. When asked what pushed him to do it, Alex explained that over his eleven years of living in China, he has traveled all over the country and has always been overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the local people. He has always tried to give back—even doing volunteer trash cleanups on previous trips—but this time felt deeply personal.

For Alex, this wasn't just about being a good person; it was about protecting his own community. As he put it, "This is what I should do. I got a permanent residence card in China, I’ve lived in China for 11 years, and I have many friends in Hunan. I feel this place has become my second hometown, so I feel I must do something I can do to give back to them."

As for what comes next, Alex is taking it day by day, noting that his plans for tomorrow will just depend on where the situation needs him most. Unsurprisingly, plenty of Chinese netizens have been giving him a huge thumbs-up online.

Source: 潇湘晨报