PLS SUPPORT UKRANIAN REFUGEES

Hi My name is Cary Cardozo and my friend Michelle Bryan and I are going to Poland near the Ukranian border to volunteer at a refugee camp in September. My very brave high school (Visitation Class of ‘86) friend Eden Wollerman Rancano did it in June. We are following her lead by going to Przemysl Poland and not using a major organisation. Apparently the red tape is so time consuming and unnecessary. There is plenty to do on the ground according to Eden. She posted daily on social media heartbreaking stories but also many delightful encounters. Our travel and Airbnb are already paid for. We are asking for your financial support so we can purchase items on a needs basis.

Eden said she drove an ambulance, did art projects with children and assisted in military first aid training. The refugees she met were severely traumatised and there were psychologists available for them. She said there were not enough medical supplies and I could purchase life saving kits, OTC children’s pain meds, art supplies, building materials to build playgrounds, picnic tables, tents, learning materials, suitcases with rollers, there seems to be plenty of donated clothing and blankets. They need volunteers to sort, distribute, child care and build.

Your donations can be used to implement travel so the refugees can move on and set up their lives in another location. There are too many refugees arriving daily so they encourage them to find homes elsewhere if possible.

We are going to see where we can be most useful when we get there. Eden has given me contacts of volunteer leaders who are expecting us and hoping they can give themselves a much needed break when we arrive.

It feels good to know we can help.

• This is Eden and her mascot Patron. There is an actual dog named Patron that sniffs out bombs in Ukraine and wears a blue and yellow vest This stuffed toy went with her to Poland and she posted to her 2nd grade class back in Miami the adventures they had. Eden brought mini stuffed Patrons with (handmade) vests and handed them out to kids at the refugee camp when they did art projects together. She also bought patriotic stickers and they would come running over to her when she arrived to get a sticker. It was heartwarming to bring a little joy to their lives.