On 24 February 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. We’ve seen the news reports on the conflict and the devastation inflicted on the Ukrainian people, their families, homes and livelihoods.
With the 2nd anniversary of the invasion in mind, Pershore Rotary hosted an evening at the Queen Elizabeth Inn, Elmley Castle to hear about aid being sent to Ukraine by two local organisations, the Ukraine Freedom Company (UFC) and Hereford Elgar Rotary Club.
The Ukraine Freedom Company is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation, whose purpose is to support and sustain the people of Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid and supplies. Medical supplies, generators, cold weather clothing, footwear, ambulances and 4x4 vehicles are urgently required for delivery to trusted Ukrainian civilians in the country. UFC are committed for the duration of hostilities and beyond and are actively looking for contributions now.
UFC was set up by retired members of the armed forces. Leading the presentation was Major David Seeney, who has had a long and active career with the Parachute Regiment. David said, “we were grateful to the Worcestershire Rotary Clubs for giving us the opportunity to spread the word on aid required for the Ukraine people at war”. He was joined by David Gaston, a retired head teacher who has made over 30 humanitarian journeys to Ukraine, Alla Savchenko, a refugee active in bringing the suffering of her people to our attention, Brian Watkins, Worcestershire supporter, and Will Jackson a member of Hereford Elgar Rotary and a regular transporter of supplies to Ukraine.
The needs of Ukrainians resisting the invasion are extensive. Comfort boxes containing personal items for men and women are always popular and a raffle on the night raised £220 which was donated to UFC for comfort boxes.
The Rotary event was supported by District Governor, Anne Bartholomew, and members of the Colwall, Evesham, Malvern, Pershore, Rotary in the Vale, Tewkesbury, Worcester Vigornia Rotary Clubs and other guests.
For more information on how you can help UFC support the people of Ukraine, please contact Pershore based, Brian Watkins at lovelacewatkins@uwclub.net.