Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, with help from Rotary International through a world-wide network of clubs are doing their very best to distribute supplies to families in need and to help neighbours and friends get safe refuge from the invasion of their country.
Since Russian forces entered their country in late February, Rotary members have been holding regular video calls to coordinate relief work.
Mykola Stebljanko a member of the Rotary E-Club of Ukraine and the editor of Rotary’s Ukraine magazines Rotariets, says they are focused on three main activities: supplying medicines and electricity to hospitals, where people are seeking care; finding shelter for displaced facilities and managing the flow of incoming humanitarian aid; and support for programmes for those seeking refugee status in adjoining friendly countries.
Mykola says: “I’m living in Odesa. It’s the third most populous city in the Ukraine, an important port city on the Black Sea coast. Currently there is no military activity here, but we live under the constant threat of bombs and missiles. Often air raid sirens wake us up in the middle of the night. We have to hide in a safe place. The safest place in my apartment is the bathroom. We huddle together and spend the rest of the night there. The Russians are preventing people to escape from the areas they are now attacking. Many have no electricity, water or any heat. They are desperate for help”