Families in Kherson, UKRAINE

Aim

Hoping to raise money to help people in my hometown of Kherson with immediate supplies, as they face unprecedented hardship

• Здравствуйте,

 As we all know, it’s a tense, dangerous, and distressing time in Ukraine - ongoing violence is causing people to flee their homes, lose their families or live in constant fear for their lives. 

In Kherson, southern Ukraine, some people have no water, electricity, food supply, and phone connectivity - this has profoundly impacted many residents. Thousands of people are still taking cover from the shelling in basements, cellars and dusty old bomb shelters - they are dealing with harsh, rough conditions and having to go without some of the most basic supplies, like food and water.

We must act now!

Old Bakery Studios are holding an emergency fundraising event, an evening of entertainment, food, drink and a silent auction. It will give us all a chance to help some of the most vulnerable people who have been cut off from the western world.

Truro’s Dasha Smith is originally from Ukraine - she is an active member of the Cornish community. Her family has lived in Cornwall for 17 years; her dad is from Mevagissey, and her mum is from Ukraine. She will partly host the evening, share stories, and express gratitude.

 Their family and friends are in Kherson - they are living through unprecedented disruptions, danger and fear. They live amongst vulnerable individuals who rely on the community's goodwill and trusted volunteers to help them survive through this unimaginable and desperate situation.

It's so difficult and distressing to live in Cornwall, 2 thousand miles away from Kherson, knowing what they must be going through. But we can't forget them! And we can help them!

Like Dasha's grandma, many people in Kherson rely on the goodwill of volunteers.

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Iryna Bogomolova and her husband, Stanislav, owned a cafe, a small family business. But since Kherson has been bombed, shelled and attacked, they have turned their cafe into a bakery where they make bread and give it out for free to people who are in desperation.

This tragic event has made ordinary people do extraordinary things - for Iryna and Stas, this included going around the neighbourhoods delivering life-saving aid to old, the poor and the vulnerable. They use social media to connect with people, some ask to help with food, some with medication - one person they helped was Dasha's grandma, who needed essential blood-pressure medication - they came to her door with medication and some food.

Another volunteer is Tatiana Merian. Her day-to-day life involved running her own cattery business - yes, she really is the crazy cat lady! However, since 24th February, she has been helping other pet owners, help care for animals, send money to people who can't afford to buy food/water, and help families with babies. Tatiana says that from day 1, all people of Kherson have become united - some are more physically able than others, hence she wants to be one of the unbreakable links between Truro and Kherson, support people, families and animals who need it most. 

These are just two examples of volunteers who are wiling to help their neighbours and strangers, who are living in fear, anxiety, desperation and anguish. 

There is no government support, no welfare/benefit system - so we are looking to send financial relief to immediately help the bomb-stricken town, which is now under Russian control. Many people in Kherson have been cut off from surrounding towns and are now relying on the help and support of the Ukrainian neighbours, friends, community. But time and money is running out.

We will be holding a silent auction during our fundraising evening; we will be honoured to receive your support to help communities in Kherson, Ukraine.

Funds will be distributed between volunteers who go door-to-door in Kherson and provide vital help for people in desperate situations.

Your donations will save lives! 

Thank you for your support; we look forward to seeing you

This project successfully funded on 10th April 2022