Charity of Kharkov Citizens During the First World War (According to the Materials of Local Newspapers)
Abstract
he author made attempt to show how the journalists reflected in local press the help by Kharkov people to wounded soldiers and refugees during the First World War. In those years the wounded and sick soldiers were evacuated to Kharkov, the enterprises and refugees from western regions of the Russian Empire were transported there as well. All of these required the active help from local residents. A lot of local newspapers wrote about charity of Kharkov people. Such newspapers as Kharkovskie gubernskie vedomosti, Uzhny krai informed daily the readers about the raised sums, the charity events held to help the wounded, refugees and soldiers’ families. During wartime, many of the headlines were devoted to the military actions of the Russians and allied troops. Newspapers reported about money donations to soldiers and their families, refugees and evacuees in the city and the village of Kharkov governorate. The activity of the Red Cross, clergy, workers in hospitals and training of the necessary personnel were highlighted. Local residents who wanted to help but did not have enough money could pay for the treatment of a wounded or sick soldier. Both famous and ordinary people helped the wounded. During the treatment of the soldiers the latest methods of diagnosis were used and financed by the military commission. The priests held all-night service, and students read books and talked about peaceful future. In some hospitals soldiers could watch films. Selfless work played an important role. Local peasant women sewed underwear and warm clothes and sent it to the front. The additional groups in the kindergartens for the soldiers’ children were opened. Ordinary citizens at their own expense.
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