On the Ground with the Refugee Crises

Over the last few weeks, we have all seen the horror and devastation in Ukraine. But, sadly, I fear the worst is yet to come. While some can donate cash to the cause of helping Ukrainian refugees, the one thing I can give is myself and my time.

 

I am not a doctor or nurse, but I am compassionate. I am not a tank driver or a sniper, but I am a soldier. I may not be able to carry someone on my back, but I can still lend a hand. I can still help make a meal, set up a tent, drive a family away from harm and help someone who can’t walk well reach a bathroom. The small things. There are massive challenges when you live in a country that just found itself with one, two or three million more people overnight. We don’t see very far beyond the border crossings on TV, but a much bigger story is developing. So, not only is help on the ground needed, but there is a need to keep telling the story beyond the borders, and I have the skills to help with both. An NGO has contacted me from Spain, ADE, a foundation that focuses on humanitarian projects in different parts of the world and is currently assisting refugees entering Romania and Moldova from Ukraine.

 

I want to donate one month of my time in mid-April to travel to Romania, Poland and possibly within the Ukraine to help on the front lines. This work will be an unpaid leave from my job. I am reaching out to you today to ask for your help. I need to raise funds to travel and support myself independently without burdening the local NGO. I want to bring supplies to the NGO and will be working on the front lines on a humanitarian mission during the days and filming and documenting stories in the evenings.

 

Upon my return, I will be presenting both in Sault Ste Marie to our local community and in the Toronto area for supporters there. I will also create an online portal where people can follow the story on the ground.

 

Can I count on your support?