How can you tell the UN are in town?
Look for the most expensive hotels in town and count the number of vehicles parked in front of them doing nothing for most of the day. We have seen this in Krakow, Lviv and now in Odesa. They ride around in their big cars, and to what end? Never seen them in a refugee centre getting their hands dirty, or in food tents. I'm sure they do some good. But they spend their money too freely, e.g. on expensive hotels. Big cars that often stand idle in front of said expensive hotels.
Why does this bother me? Because we met a woman today who needs $500 dollars a month for the gas she uses to make 500 meals a day for refugees.
However, on the positive side we had a really productive day. We have found a small organisation that works in some of the most challenging war areas of the southeast, providing aid. We will try and support him through our US supporters.
We also bought about £400 of children's books to distribute at the refugee centre in Odesa. We were able to give some of these books out today. Books are quite expensive here so they were well received. Monies used were raised by a community group in England. Many thanks.
Finally, we were able to link into an organisation that provides fresh cooked food. We hope to be able to support them in future.
I am afraid big organisations operate that way, I remember being angered and saddened by that in Africa, but we need the UN, imperfect as they may be. Grin and bear it!
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