Appeal to bring cheer to Ukrainian children
An appeal has gone out for support in delivering backpacks full of items to put a little badly-needed fun into the lives of children fleeing the Ukrainian conflict.
The children's backpacks are filled with treats and gifts for refugee youngsters aged between four and 16 years and will hopefully bring them some cheer during this distressing time.
The idea for the bags came from Marta Skuza, an accident and emergency nurse at Mid Argyll Hospital, who felt compelled to help.
Marta contacted Amanda Duffy Brown, co-ordinator for Lochgilphead and Surrounding Area Helps Ukraine, and they decided to put together personalised backpacks, tailored to age and individual needs, with warm clothing, pencils, colouring books, toothbrush packs, sweets and other treats.
Letters, sketches and drawings from Mid Argyll schoolchildren are also part of the packs.
The packs will now be sent out along with medical/ surgical aid, tinned and dried food, military supplies, baby essentials and much-needed provisions.
The task of ensuring safe delivery to the ground team in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, falls to Oban lads Dirk Campbell and Willie Bonniwell who are embarking on their second aid mission.
Following an appeal for transport by Andy Den, who is in charge of the distribution centre in Uzhhorod, the Oban duo are supplying and delivering a van which will be left out there for the team to use.
The cost of the marathon trip is expected to be around £2,500-£3,000, so Amanda is now appealing to the generous community and businesses to dig deep and help the lads on their aid mission.
Anyone who feels they would like to contribute can email Amanda at amandabrown1977@hotmail.co.uk or contact her at DandDs Wool and Crafts, 29 Lochnell Street, Lochgilphead.