Aid van coming through...but different..


So this is the new aid van which I've nicknamed ' Margherita '.
With the help of the organisation Food for Life, I was introduced to a sort of place of safety for IDP'S (internally displaced people, near Mykolaiv. Part home for adults and children, and some orphaned children. The more I hear about IDP'S, the more upsetting it becomes. The cruelty of the Russian invaders, beggars belief. In a nutshell, these families have lost everything. Their homes, their livelihoods, their stability, their family. Add to that, trauma. 
My intention is to visit this centre every two weeks.


I will give English lessons and generally try to entertain the children with songs and games. It was incredibly moving to see how they tried to engage with me, using whatever English they had. 
Today we were able to take toys, shoes, trainers, clothes etc. All new. 

The girl below, seemed so alone. Only one of the other children could go near her. She was completely silent. Sadness on sadness. They really could do with trauma teddies.......

Not even new shoes helped. Others found it easier to show their pleasure. But there's always a wariness. As if it could be taken away.

Many items today were given free by  shops in Odesa. There is still support for people in need 

The journey was relatively uneventful, with the usual plumes of smoke where Russian missiles have landed.

But the beauty of Ukraine remains. The sunflowers are out. That always makes me smile....
As usual if you can help in any way please donate as follows:

To make a donation, please:
1. Open PayPal and, when asked for name of payee or email, enter trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com

Or, if you live in/near Trawden:
2. Use the Ukraine collection box in Trawden Community Shop. 

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