The plight in Ukraine has touched many peoples hearts and none more so than local residents who still have friends and family in their homeland.
One such local couple Olga and Taras Kott, whose family are currently fleeing or taking shelter in Ukraine decided to show their love and support by arranging a delivery of urgent supplies. They sourced transport, a driver and set up various collection points in Hampshire and Wiltshire where people could donate urgent supplies such as bedding, medication, food, clothing, nappies etc.
Such was the support from the local community that Olga and her team managed to not only fill an articulated lorry but will also need to make a second trip. Olga, Taras and their team worked tirelessly packing boxes, sorting donations and then loading the lorry which left for Ukraine yesterday.
Olga also set up a funding page which is still open for donations – https://gofund.me/cb7ee8fc – and family and friends also made additional cash donations. The villages of Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield raised £1550 to cover the cost or fuel and even Olga’s young son donated his birthday money.
The lorry is being driven by the brave Ukrainian Alexandr whose family is in Kyiv currently. When Alexandr arrives he will be joining the Ukrainian Army to help protect his motherland which is yet another example of the incredible bravery, passion and love that Ukrainians have for their country.
Olga and Alexandr expressed their thanks to all the people that donated time, supplies, money and who continue to show their support for this terrible atrocity.
Local Resident Richard Smart said “The villagers of Thruxton, Kimpton and Fyfield were keen to show their support for Ukraine and Olga’s initiative allowed us to make a direct contribution to the support effort. From hosting a meat draw (gratefully assisted by Owtons Butchers and Rosebourne), to holding a pop-up coffee morning, or simply donating cash the generosity and support of the villages was incredible. We send much love to Olga, her family, all those suffering in Ukraine and of course wish Alexandr safe passage to his motherland”.
If you are in position to help in anyway please either donate to the link above or email Richard.smart@infor.com for information on future collections etc.
