Help Ukrainian veteran rebuild

Hi, I'm fundraising for Vakhtang Gakheladze, my dear old friend and a true hero who spent four years defending Ukraine. Below is his touching story.

After 2014, responding to Russia's aggression, he voluntarily enlisted in the military to defend his country's sovereignty, despite having no prior military experience.

After serving valiantly for two years, he was demobilized and in 2018 moved to Georgia where he started a new chapter by cultivating a vineyard, embracing the legacy of his ancestors.

He was just beginning to reap the rewards of his hard work, when in 2022, before he could taste his first wine, war once again called him back to Ukraine. Putting his life and dreams on hold, without hesitation, he returned to Kharkiv, the city of our childhood, to protect his family and homeland.

As an artillery commander, he played a pivotal role in liberating the Kharkiv region. He and his unit even appeared on the cover of The Economist issue dedicated to the Kharkiv counteroffensive.

Vakhtang then spent nearly a year defending the city of Bakhmut, showcasing immense courage and leadership.

Tragically, in 2023, near Bakhmut, a devastating drone strike left him with severe injuries, ending his military career.

Now back in Georgia, Vakhtang found his vineyard in neglect, having been unattended for nearly two years. Yet, he finally tasted his two-year-old wine, a symbol of the life he dreamed to return to. It's clear that a lot of work lies ahead for my friend.

Just before February 2022, Vakhtang mentioned to me his need for a tractor in his vineyard. Since then this detail stayed with me deeply etched, a reminder of the life he yearned for. I promised myself that if Vakhtang ever returned to his peaceful life, helping him acquire this tractor would be the least I could do to thank him for his immense service.

And so, I am reaching out to you to help him purchase a John Deere 3036 tractor, an essential tool for his vineyard and a step towards rebuilding his peaceful life.

Every donation, big or small, brings Vakhtang closer to realizing his dream. Your support can transform the life of a man who has given everything for others.