Aid delivered in Kherson...

....as efficiently as we have seen anywhere, thanks to Anastasiia, one of the movers and shakers in this community of apartment dwellers in Kherson. She has a list of 75 or so families who are in need of aid; she calls them to come, a few at a time, so there are no big crowds, which are a danger due to the constant risk of shelling and missile attacks. The small room where aid is delivered is underground, which is also safer.


We were present for a couple of hours whilst the aid was given out, which included boxes of household products, towels and baby food. Anastasia, was really keen for us to be there, to see that everything was distributed fairly and honestly. Unfortunately, she has heard that this is not always the case. After we left there were many more people who arrived for aid, and older/disabled people had products delivered to their homes. Anastasiia took photos of every one of them. We'll need to explain that, although there is a general fear of corruption in this country, trust has to start somewhere. 

I was given a traditional head band that was hand made by one of the women, which is very pretty and beautifully made. However, I'm not sure if it suits me. Comments are welcome, as usual, but only if they're complimentary!
The most enjoyable part of the aid delivery was giving books to children, both Ukrainian and English, that were donated by a friend in Lviv. The children really seemed to enjoy choosing their books.
Speaking of books, Anastasiia showed us an educational book for children, on the danger of mines and other risks associated with the war. It's called "Children Ask" - they really shouldn't have to. And, sadly, some of the mines actually do look like butterflies. 
Shelling was a background noise whilst we were at the apartments; one fell very close by. This is endured every day by the people who live here and, although they take precautions, mostly they just get on with their lives. Some people say they are used to it, but Anastasiia says that she is always nervous and does not sleep much at night. She never lets her young daughter out of her sight and they sleep in the same bed.

This picture, as we drove through Kherson, tells its own story. The destruction looked fairly recent.
But here is a more peaceful picture, of Anastasiia's daughter with the teddy and book she was given, exhausted at the end of the day. It was an exhausting, as well as emotional and rewarding, day for us, too.



Comments

  1. Mike Wright24 May 2023 at 22:43

    Well done Fiona and Bob on your latest run to Kherson. You two are incredible people and yes, Fi, the head band is lovely and definitely suits you xx

    ReplyDelete

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