When we started relief efforts for the Ukrainian people, we started by collecting and sending truck loads of supplies, medical, hygiene, clothes, toys, bedding and much more, even hundreds of teddy bears with messages and packets of sweets collected from local schools. It was a massive effort.
As governments and international charities after some time have contributed more, we have focused on more specific collections. We arranged for a mission to Ukraine in February 2023 where not only did we take donated paediatric medical goods, electrical generators, food and much more, but also visited Hospitals and talked with local charity providers on the ground to assess what will be needed in future. See our Blog for more information.
February 2023: Trip to Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
In February 2023, a group of volunteers from Helping Children of Ukraine travelled 2,500 km to Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine with the objective of delivering medical supplies, generators, and cold weather equipment to areas in need of essential materials. The mission was funded by donations from a private GoFundMe campaign started by Chris Gardner, with help and assistance from Helping Children of Ukraine CIC and Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change. The mission was a success, and the following items were delivered: 2 powerful generators, €1000 of paediatric medical supplies donated by Helping Children of Ukraine CIC, 6 boxes of medical supplies donated by various NHS surgeries, 8 cases of reusable gel hand warmers (320 units), 3 boxes of medical supplies donated by St Blaze recycle reuse, 3 boxes of medical supplies donated by Irina Williams, torches/power banks and batteries, toys and children's games, and 2 boxes of miscellaneous high protein foods.
In addition to achieving the main objective, the mission also served to cement ties with charities and hospitals, and allowed the team to speak with a great number of Ukrainians, enabling them to focus future efforts in a more targeted fashion. By publicizing the trip with press, TV, and social media, the team was able to generate a considerable number of new supporters who became engaged with the cause due to the first-hand experiences shared by the team.
As a result of the mission, the team has set clear future aims, which include: raising funds to purchase ex-NHS emergency paramedic vehicles, making targeted donations of gym equipment, flat screen TVs, bedside cabinets, shower seating, grab rails, etc. for rehabilitation hospitals, setting up a system of school twinning's initially with Cornish Schools and Ukrainian Schools, collecting donated medical supplies, particularly close to out-of-date materials from the NHS and individuals, collecting high protein foods, and collecting funds to cover transport costs.
The GoFundMe campaign collected gross £2,745, and after fees, the cash total was £2,655.12. Overall, the mission was a success, and the team is optimistic about the future impact they can continue to make in Ukraine.
We are planning for our next trip to Ukraine, this is specifically focused on medical supplies, small paramedic vehicles, rehab equipment and equipment that will help conquer the intense boredom of rehabilitating from serious injuries.
