Time for a break...
I was trying to reflect on our time here. When we left Trawden in March, we really had no real idea as to what use we could or would be. It soon became apparent. Tens of thousands of refugees arriving in Poland, most with only a couple of hastily packed bags. Working in the food tent, initially, allowed us to see the scale of the challenges that lay ahead. In the food tent which was open 24/7, some 20,000 hot meals were provided every day by World Central Kitchen. If ever an organisation has done what it says on the packet, it's them.
Then came our involvement in the British government's Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme. It was a good scheme in theory, but was beset with bureaucratic challenges and delays. And they exist to this day. On the positive side, we were able to help many Ukrainian families move to East Lancashire area, including 2 in our home, as well as Dorset, Wales and the Midlands.
It was also, possibly, the lowest point in our attempts to help when, because of misunderstanding and a certain type of Polish bureaucrat, we were nearly arrested for promoting the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
As ever, we moved on and started helping at a large refugee centre in Krakow where I was able to cook food in a tent, some 600 meals a day, and Fiona concentrated mainly on the sponsorship scheme.
It became apparent, from talking with other individuals and organisations, that it was likely that the greater need would be in Ukraine itself, so we based ourselves in Lviv. We were fortunate to come across the MAD Foundation and started a good working relationship. We worked in the refugee centre in Stryiskyi Park, Lviv, supporting as we could, supplying fruit to supplement the food that World Central Kitchen was giving out, working with the children in the UNICEF tent and continuing with the sponsorship scheme.
The final part of our story so far, was to get involved in the procurement and delivery of humanitarian aid.
All this could not have happened without the assistance of so many amazing, resilient and brave people. Small organisations who function on a shoestring, seeking funding wherever they can. There are far too many individuals and small organisations to mention here. To all of you who have helped, many thanks. And, most of all, we recognise the courage, kindness and good will of Ukrainians, who we have had the pleasure to meet along the way.
And then there are the others. The individuals who swan around, promising so much, having photos taken with refugees. They come, they go, and leave a nasty taste in your mouth. Then there are the very large, well funded organisations with incredible resources. I'm sure they are working behind the scenes.....but do you ever see them on the ground? Not once in all our time here have we seen the Red Cross, for example. And don't even get us started on the UN. Another photo of a UN vehicle in action.
So I'm writing this blog in the candlelight. There has been no electricity or heat for 6 hours. Outside it's snowing. Winter is not coming...it's well and truly here, and a massive challenge for the people of Ukraine.
Earlier today we were able to buy a couple of induction stoves with money raised, and took them to a refugee centre. They now have 6 cooking rings for 300 people.
We are back on 9th December. Our first aid run will be to Kherson and Mykolaiv. We continue to need aid and your support.
It has been a tremendously difficult decision to take this break. But we believe it's the right one. We want to continue to support Ukraine and have to be well to do this.
We will resume the blogs on our return.
Slava Ukraini!!
If you can help, please donate in the usual way:
1. Open PayPal and, when asked for name of payee or email, enter trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com.
2. Use the collection box in Trawden community shop.
Thank you.
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