We're making our 6th delivery of food and medical supplies to Ukraine in December. We are collecting donations to help us buy diesel generators, more heart valves for the Kyiv Heart Institute and food supplies for communities in Sumy Oblast, close to the Russian border.

We have already made five trips to southern Poland, taking over five tonnes of food and medical supplies, which are then driven across the border to the Kyiv Heart Institute and to communities in Sumy, eastern Ukraine, near Kharkhiv – there are videos on our Facebook site showing the supplies being delivered - https://www.facebook.com/HelpingUkrainesSurgeons They are a very grim reminder of the shocking devastation across Ukraine and the plight of its people.

We are now planning one large delivery in time for Christmas, and are actively seeking more donations of food, medical supplies and money to pay for these. We are also keen to hear from any organisation that could act as a collection point for food donations. And a new request, as winter sets in, is for help to purchase diesel generators.

We have also been helping fund camps for Ukrainian children who are now refugees in Poland. The first was held in mid-June and was designed to offer some respite to children who have fled the war - many of whom will have experienced sheltering from bombs and making dramatic trips across the border and are now living without their fathers and in very cramped conditions. 160 children enjoyed a week of activities and a chance to relax In safety. Our Ukrainian friends in Poland also organised three week-long day camps in southern Poland, helping another 90 children.

Richard Astle and the Organising Team

richard@athene-communications.co.uk

Helping Our Friends in Ukraine