English Crowdfunding Text

Dear friends,

My name is Paul Vanderhoeven. I’m 73 years old and had to flee Ukraine in May 2022, where I had lived and worked for 13 years.

Due to the war, I had to leave behind my only car – a small Smart – on a paid parking lot in Romania. It has been standing there ever since, exposed to weather and time.

I now live in Belgium on a modest pension, most of which goes to rent and fixed costs. I have no savings and no access to a loan. My only family is my daughter, who is currently attending university and whom I try to support as best I can.

Because of my age and health – I had open-heart surgery with six bypasses – I now do all my errands by bicycle, including medical visits. This is getting harder, especially as winter approaches.

That’s why, with some hesitation, I am asking for your help.

To bring my car back and get it legally roadworthy, I need:

€1200 for parking fees (since 2022)

€650 for transport (without plates)

± €2000 for repairs (windshield, inspection, wear and tear)

Total: €3850

If the car turns out to be beyond repair, I will use the amount to buy a small second-hand car here in Belgium.

Any contribution – big or small – means a lot.

Thank you for reading and for sharing my story.

Paul Vanderhoeven