Help feed the elderly and displaced in Ukraine

Hi

 

Both Irena and I were born in southern Ukraine but have lived in Australia for most of our lives.  While we are very much Australian it is still hard to see the suffering in Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in worldwide condemnation, but words and solidarity do little to help the suffering on the ground.

 

While we see people fleeing, congregating at train stations and neighboring country border crossings, there are many more people left behind, unable or afraid to leave their homes. Those who are elderly, those who are less mobile, people with disabilities, young parents with small kids. There are more people left behind than trying to evacuate.

 

The people who are left behind are truly suffering, victims of a humanitarian crisis. They need our help.

 

I have been speaking with Aleksandr, an old friend who lives in Ukraine. The stories he has been telling me are both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Hopeful, because of the people who are defending Ukraine and those helping the general population. Aleksandr runs a number of convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Ukraine. The stores are called Kopeyka (meaning 'Cent'). He has set up a feeding program, providing free food to the people who are most in need. He has warehousing facilities, retail distribution facilities and a small group of volunteers who are delivering free food packages to people's houses. This is a real boots-on-the-ground humanitarian effort, with immediate outcomes, helping people in their greatest time of need.

 

Irena and I have kick-started this campaign to inject more funds to enable Kopeyka to expand its efforts and support more people. Please donate what you can and show that we in the West care and support the people of Ukraine.

 

Irena and Alex Gelman OAM