Offering assistance to the Ukrainian people

Next weekend, I will be travelling to Ukraine. I will be gathering much needed aid and supplies, as outlined by the volunteers and organisations currently over there, who know exactly what it is the people need most at any given time. I want to make it clear my reasons for doing this, are very much my own and I don't expect anyone to look at this and feel they have to do as I do. It's really not about that. What its about for me, is that, I have lived a great life, enriched and positively influenced by the cultures of others. I've enjoyed playing basketball, both with and against, a great number of Eastern European players and have had the pleasure of being in the company of their children and families. It's times like this, when I see children and families living through the conflict, that I feel compelled to do everything I can, however to do what exactly, is a difficult question to answer. As we get to just over a week since it all began and with the picture changing almost by the second, I don't think anyone can predict what the coming days will bring. In my experience of working with refugees and charities before, I know that by just speaking to people and committing yourself to the service of others in need can be a massive help and I'm sure I can be of use, either in the evacuation and transportation of people and animals, the distribution of supplies, or help with the integration of services - there's always plenty to do.

 

So that's me... Now here's where you come in... The truth of the matter is, what we can do to help and how we do it starts at home with what we choose to send. The need differs greatly from one side of Ukraine to the other and then again to the neighbouring countries supporting the fleeing people. The one thing that is desperately needed is flexibility. The flexibility to get what they need, when they need it and at a price that affords the most equipment possible whilst directly paying into the economy, which at the moment is extremely pressed by the ever mounting humanitarian crisis. So I'll get to the point, what I'm suggesting is... Money, yes, money, I know this can be a difficult topic and is something, that for so many people coming out of Covid, is in short supply, therefore I would never suggest anyone donates money if it would put them in any form of financial difficulty, however if you can... Please donate to my go fund me page, whatever you can spare. This will allow me to buy or pay for, the food, sanitary products, medication, fuel, accommodation and so much more for the children and families who desperately need it.

 

If you'd like to do more or give in a different way, I will be able to take a number of children's backpacks, like this one, filled with a blanket, refillable water bottle, a colouring book, pens, children's plasters and hand sanitiser. If you would like to make up and donate a pack like this, these can be dropped off at Riccarton Garden Centre, in the west of Edinburgh, during normal working hours before Friday the 11th of March , or they can be brought along to any of my basketball classes I have running over this weekend or next week also before Friday. I intend to give these out as I go, in a way to offer a small escape from what must be such a traumatic and horrific set of circumstances.

 

So that's it, thank you for listening and thank you for the overwhelming support people have shown me so far. Whilst there I will be looking to make connections so that any future or unspent donations can and will be passed on to the appropriate organisations in Ukraine.