Oleg lost toes on his feet, and now walking causes him constant pain. He can work (and move around in general) only with the help of a cargo electric bicycle.
My name is Oleg Zayats. I am 42 years old, from Minsk, I lived in the Zeleny Lug district.
In 2020, I participated in all protest marches, local events in my district, and helped political prisoners. I was detained twice for short terms, and then ended up behind bars in a criminal case. After my release, I fled further persecution to Lithuania. Now I live in Vilnius.
Here, like many others, I started life from scratch. At first I assembled delivery orders, but due to health problems it was very difficult for me. I was taking three painkiller tablets during a working day, and even that did not always help.
The fact is that even before 2020 I suffered frostbite on my feet, and since then I have been living without toes, and the front parts of my feet hurt a lot. There are other illnesses as well, quite a few, but my legs are the main problem now. Every step for me is pain, even if it may not be visible from the outside.
After a year working as an order picker, I managed to get a job as a food delivery courier. But the only way for me to work (and not constantly take painkillers) became a cargo electric bicycle, which I rent. And not just to work. This bicycle became my way to move around the city on equal terms with healthy people and to live a more or less полноценная life.
But this opportunity comes at a high cost – renting the bicycle costs €400 per month. Considering that I also rent housing, the expenses turn into a heavy burden, especially in winter. I have almost nothing left, and I stay afloat only thanks to a benefit, but it is temporary and small. I even had to move from modest housing to even more modest conditions.
The solution to many problems would be the opportunity to buy out the cargo bicycle, which for me is not just a means of work, but essentially my second legs. That is why I am opening this fundraiser. The total needed is €5400, but I understand that this is an extremely large amount, so I ask you to help at least with part of it. I will try to find the rest myself.
It is not easy for me to ask for help. But unfortunately, the new reality forces me again and again to adjust my understanding of myself and my capabilities. If you find it possible to help me in this matter, I will be infinitely grateful. Even raising part of the amount would already be счастье for me.
Fundraising goal
€2700
This is half of the total amount. I will find the rest from other sources. When I buy the bicycle, I will report on it.