The stroller movement began in the Polish border town of Przemyśl. This city was quickly joined by others. Social media became full of pictures of empty strollers left at railway stations. But what’s the story?
Polish moms for Ukrainian moms
“Polish moms left their strollers at the train station for women from Ukraine and their children,” we can read under one photo, which quickly went viral on social media. These abandoned strollers are the idea of Polish mothers to help Ukrainian women and their children. It is also a symbolic way to show solidarity with women and their children fleeing war-stricken Ukraine.
The photo was shared on social media by Gianna Kouka. “Maybe there is finally that ray of comfort and hope in all the darkness,” she wrote.
A gesture of solidarity with Ukrainian women
There are currently thousands of refugees from Ukraine in Przemyśl. Most of them are women and children. Crossing the Polish border they usually do not have much with them. So much help is needed. Poles have been organizing collections of food, hygiene products, basic necessities… The strollers left at the train station are not only a form of aid, but also a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Ukrainian women.
Ukrainian women can also ask for strollers for their children at border crossings in Medyka, Krościenko and at immigration facilities. Moms in need can also find strollers in other cities where collections are currently being taken.
Warsaw, Lublin: Empty strollers at train stations
Empty strollers quickly appeared in other Polish cities. The initiative from Przemyśl was taken by citizens of Warsaw. The strollers, arranged in a row, appeared at Dworzec Wschodni near the station exit.
Polish moms also left baby carriages for Ukrainian women in other cities, e.g. in Lublin. In Lodz, on the other hand, within a few hours, residents brought not only strollers but also other necessary supplies for babies, such as baby carriers, changing tables, high chairs and bathtubs.
