My name is Elen Storm and I run KyivBuchaSupport page on Facebook. I am raising funds to bulk purchase long life food items, medical and hygiene essentials and transport them to Ukraine. My childhood friends, from Solomyanska Platforma charity in Kyiv, distribute supplies to areas where they are most needed. Current focus is on Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Izyum, Sumy, Chernihiv and villages near Kyiv (Bucha and Irpin') that have suffered terribly from the Russian invasion. There are also plans to start delivering to other areas as they get liberated.
So many families have now lost their homes and loved ones as a result of the war in Ukraine. The Russian Armed Forces have destroyed many Ukrainian towns and villages. The majority of those people who survived Russian occupation now have no jobs to go back to and no stable income to live on. Schools and nurseries have been destroyed by bombs and shelling.
Most of the available funding in Ukraine goes towards the army needs to secure physical protection of the people. Every day of the war costs Ukraine an equivalent of its annual budget. With every day of the war, humanitarian needs are becoming greater.
Remember how during the pandemic many UK families struggled, and even with support structures in place many families and children were left without most essential food supplies? Just imagine how much worse it is when somebody is displaced, psychologically scarred and is in physical danger every day.
Needless to say, driving around delivering supplies in Ukraine is a dangerous task. Many areas have mines left behind and are being shelled regularly by artillery or by drones. Local volunteers are doing an amazing job, risking their lives to support families with children in need.
Once the war is over, stability will be restored, schools and nurseries will be rebuilt for the kids and parents will go back to work. Children and their families will always be grateful to those kind hearts who helped them in the most difficult of times. Thanks in advance for your support!