An ordinary day in Lviv...


... after an early start to take the tram at the end of our road (pictured) for my dental appointment. Taking the tram in Lviv is much easier than driving the van due to the crazy drivers, cobbled/bumpy roads and 1-way systems. However, there always needs to be a back-up plan, in case of air raid sirens or electricity outages.

We visited the nearby market as we were early for my appointment. Parsnips, carrots and beets are amongst the seasonal produce now available. And huge pomegranates. The weather is gradually getting milder but, when it's 8 degrees or more below freezing, we don't know how these outdoor market traders endure the cold all day - and also always remain so cheerful and friendly.
In the middle of root canal treatment the electricity went off and there was about a 30-second delay, sitting in darkness with instruments poised in my mouth, before the generator kicked in. These generators, which come in different sizes, are vital to keep the country going, not only for essential services like hospitals, but also for businesses. Those that can't afford generators keep open by lighting candles, in some cases guiding customers around the shop.

Before our aid drop in Snihurivka, last Friday morning, Bob and I did another interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, sitting in our van, outside a cafe lit by candlelight in Mykolaiv. Bob talked about the aid that is most needed, including generators, which resulted in two being donated, which we'll pick up when we're in England next month.

We're planning our next aid run to the southern Mykolaiv region, starting 25 December. It's shaping up to be a really good aid load. Early this Friday morning we'll drive to the Ukraine-Poland border and exchange our empty van for a fully loaded van from Tomasz, Paszki dla Ukrainy (Packages for Ukraine). The load will include the remaining aid from St Anthony of Padua Church - thank you Joanna and members of your church, and other church communities in Krakow.
As well, we will have 4 power generators, 50kg of parafin, a few hundred candle wicks, candles and warm clothes from Paszki dla Ukrainy, and wet wipes, which are invaluable to soldiers in trenches, from UK4UA.

We've recently received some generous donations from individuals in Trawden and Canada, which we'll mainly use to buy wood burning stoves. We just need to decide on the most effective and efficient stove, amongst a few models.

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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