“Here I Am” project. Volunteers’ stories Story No. 18 Marc Leonard Leineweber 31 y.o. Düsseldorf, Germany Business owner My close people call me Leo. I am the owner of a small medical nutrition company. I am studying in the MBA program at WHU. I like sports, especially boxing. I like to spend time with my friends and walk with my dog. After the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, I transported more than 40 Ukrainians to safe places. I accommodated some of them in my apartment in Düsseldorf and went to Poland as a volunteer to be closer to Ukraine and help Ukrainians. At the Help Ukraine Center, my goal was to create the logistics concept and set up inner logistics processes in the warehouse. Perhaps, in this regard, I confirm the stereotype about Germans because I like when everything is in its place and everything harmoniously works. The Center has a special atmosphere of support, mutual support, and humor. Probably, this’s one of the reasons why many volunteers and I postponed our departure date several times. Or even after leaving, they returned to the Center again and again. I like to realize that my work brings good and usefulness. Unfortunately, I don’t like the Ukrainian borscht because I hate beetroots :) However, I love to taste everything else prepared by our Ukrainian volunteers. I keep in touch with almost all the Ukrainians I brought to Germany. Therefore, after their return home, I want to visit them and travel around Ukraine. I especially want to see Kyiv. Europe should continue to support Ukraine in this war. We are all European. We have the same values and priorities. Now any aid is important because it helps Ukrainians to survive this war, and at least a little improve their living conditions. After the victory, Ukraine will need even more of our support and help to rebuild the infrastructure, homes, and lives of Ukrainians. But now, please, let's not forget that the war is not over yet! Let's help Ukraine win this war! The hero of the story is Marc Leonard Leinweber @le__leooo #huc_here_i_am