Eduard Bayanov: "Volunteering is the Best Reset"

25 march 2026

In the March edition of the column "About People and Good Deeds", Eduard Bayanov, a mechanical engineer at the Ethylene Pipeline Management – Nizhnekamskneftekhim LLC in Salavat, shares the story of his journey into volunteering. From regular blood donation to targeted assistance for residents of the "Samotsvety" residential home and launching his own project, "Fluffy Friends of SIBUR". The interview subject is confident that even small steps can change the world for the better. In the conversation, Eduard explains why it is important to go where help is most needed and how professional discipline helps him find time for good deeds.

What motivated you to start volunteering? Was there a particular moment or event that became a turning point?

"I was driven by a desire to be useful, to make my contribution – even a small one: cleaning up litter in the forest, helping homeless animals, listening to a lonely person. I believe that such drops accumulate into a sea of change. For a long time, volunteering seemed like something distant – the domain of 'special' people, but certainly not mine. The turning point was the 6th SIBUR Corporate Volunteer Forum in Moscow. I went out of curiosity, but ended up at a true celebration of energy. Hundreds of people with shining eyes, people who don't just talk about kindness but live it. The atmosphere was so sincere that I caught myself thinking, 'I want that too.' It was there that the abstract 'desire to help' transformed into a concrete decision: 'I'm starting. Right now.'"

Do you have a personal principle that guides you when choosing volunteer activities?

"My principle is: 'Go where help is needed most, not where it's more fun.' I look for the 'pain points'. Of course, it's nice to take part in celebrations, but after the forum, where serious social issues were raised, I realised that true value lies where you are truly needed."

You have participated in Blood Donor Days many times. What does being a donor mean to you?

"For me, donating blood is a way to thank life. When I give blood, I think: one day, I myself could be in the place of someone who needs it. It is an invisible connection between strangers, a mutual responsibility of kindness. My veins carry blood that could give someone a second birthday. Realising this fills life with a special meaning."

Many colleagues are afraid to donate blood for the first time. What would you say to those who are hesitant but want to help?

"I understand these fears – fear of the unknown is natural. It usually stems from not knowing the procedure. So I share my personal experience: I explain step by step how it actually goes. If someone is hesitant, I offer to go together. The support and the ability to ask questions along the way helps manage anxiety. But the decision always remains with the person – it's important not to pressure them, but simply to be there."

You have visited the Salavat Psychoneurological Residential Home "Samotsvety" several times – helping with repairs, donating wheelchairs. Which of these trips stands out most in your memory and why?

"The most memorable trip was when we not only delivered wheelchairs but stayed to talk. Usually, you come, help, drop things off, and leave. But that time, we sat in the common room, and one elderly resident showed us her embroidery. She talked about her life, thanked us for the wheelchair – it made it more comfortable for her to sit and do what she loves. That moment stood out because I saw the result of our help not in reports but in emotions. We helped not just an institution, but a specific person maintain the ability to do what brings them joy. It was a living, informal connection – and that is more valuable than any numbers."

In your opinion, how does the atmosphere change in such institutions when volunteers arrive?

"When we first enter, we often see ordinary, somewhat detached life: people go about their business, staff work in their usual routine. But as soon as communication or a joint activity begins, the space seems to fill with new sounds and colours. Most importantly, the feeling of isolation fades. The residents see that they are remembered, that they are not forgotten, that they matter not 'out of duty' but simply because. This restores their sense of self-worth and connection to the wider world."

Tell us more about your new volunteer project, "Fluffy Friends of SIBUR", being implemented in 2026 with the support of SIBUR's "Formula for Good Deeds" social investment programme. How was this idea born?

"The idea for the project was not born in offices but in the 'Ostrovok Nadezhdy' shelter itself, where we came to help. We brought food, medicine, cleaned enclosures – and with each visit, we felt that this was not enough. We were patching current holes but not changing the situation systematically. We saw with our own eyes: old, draughty enclosures, a lack of warm spaces, inadequate conditions for walking and socialisation. The staff do incredible work, operating at full capacity, but resources for capital improvements are lacking. So we asked ourselves: what if we help not just once but on a larger scale? Create conditions that will work for years? That's how the idea for 'Fluffy Friends of SIBUR' was born – a shift from tactical to strategic assistance. We studied the shelter's needs, spoke with management, and compiled a list of priorities. Thanks to the support of the 'Formula for Good Deeds' programme in 2026, we will bring these plans to life – this is not cosmetic repair but a comprehensive improvement of the premises. For us, this project is about systemic change and respect – respect for the animals that deserve warmth and for the people who dedicate their lives to them."

Why did you choose the "Ostrovok Nadezhdy" shelter for collaboration?

"We chose 'Ostrovok Nadezhdy' not by chance – we know it well. We had visited it several times on volunteer missions, helping with food and cleaning, so we had seen the situation from the inside. We were drawn to the sincerity of the staff: the shelter operates on pure enthusiasm, but resources for systemic changes were lacking. We got to know the management, discussed priorities – and a concrete plan came together. That is how 'Ostrovok' became our friend: because we were already among our own there and knew exactly how we could be useful."

The story of the dog named "Roza" is very personal. What prompted you not just to bring food but to take an animal from the shelter and introduce it to the residents of the residential home?

"This decision was spontaneous but turned out to be very right. At the shelter, we noticed Roza – a calm, kind, but very sad dog. We learned that she had been living there for a long time, with almost no chance of finding an owner. At the same time, we were planning a visit to the residential home, where people often lack simple emotional warmth. And it dawned on us: Roza needs a home, and they need a friend. Why not connect those who so desperately need each other? We discussed the idea with the residential home management, received approval, and understood: this was fate. We took Roza not just for an 'excursion' – we were taking her to a new family. And when we saw one of the residents hugging her and smiling, any doubts vanished. We witnessed a real miracle – the meeting of two lonely hearts that found each other."

Working as a mechanical engineer requires concentration and time. How do you manage to balance your professional duties with active volunteering?

"My profession has taught me discipline, which helps greatly. The work of an engineer has trained me to plan my time carefully and set priorities. Volunteering is not an extra burden for me but a conscious choice, so I always separate work tasks from personal time. Moreover, I am fortunate with management: they understand and support volunteer initiatives. Whenever possible, I participate in corporate campaigns – this is convenient and helps balance schedules. Additionally, volunteering is the best reset for me. After an intense work week, physical help or genuine interaction provides completely different emotions and helps me return to work with renewed energy."

What new areas of volunteering would you like to try in the future? Do you have a dream related to good deeds?

"We have already had a successful experience connecting an animal shelter with a residential home. This gave me an idea: I would like to create more such 'bridges' between different worlds, so that help is not one-sided but connects those who can give warmth with those who need it. I have an idea to organise regular meetings where residential home residents and volunteers could care for animals together. This would be therapy, communication, and real help all at once. I dream of such projects becoming not one-off events but a part of everyday life."

What would you wish for your SIBUR colleagues who are just considering becoming volunteers? Where would you suggest they start?

"My wish is simple: do not be afraid to take the first step. Do not think that volunteering necessarily involves heroism or great sacrifice. Start small – with what genuinely resonates with you. Love animals? Visit a shelter to walk the dogs. Care about the environment? Join a cleanup day. Worry about lonely people? Visit a nursing home just to talk. Do not take on too much at once: start with one thing that warms your own heart. I highly recommend finding like-minded people. SIBUR already has wonderful volunteer teams: when you are alongside those who share your values, everything becomes easier and more joyful. Join your colleagues' campaigns, watch, ask questions. And most importantly – remember: even a little help changes the world. Not only the world around you but also the world within you. Good luck and courage!"

You can learn more about upcoming good deeds in the SIBUR volunteer group on VKontakte and Telegram.

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