‘The need is too great’
Sanson couple Stephen and Lynn Gill who left for Ukraine in July are volunteering along the PolishUkrainian border to help people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
They cross borders every day. They work in shifts, make food parcels, help wheelchair users and distribute supplies to those stuck in conflict zones and fleeing Ukrainian towns.
Stephen Gill said he heard many horror stories from survivors.
‘‘I’m not sure the world really understands the extent of this tragedy and alreadymany are tired of it, including media.’’
The couple, who did not receive any advisory from the New Zealand government to leave Ukraine, was determined to continue the humanitarian work ‘‘until the last hour possible’’.
‘‘There are people from all over the world here, many of whom are comfortable inside Ukraine. We have drivers from our team that go all the way into combat zones, including Russian occupied territory.
‘‘The need is too great, and volunteers are now few and far between. We will be here until the last hour possible.’’
The couple expressed concerns over the absence of volunteers from global fundraising agencies in Ukraine.
Gill said volunteers and local agencies were horrified at logistical issues with fundraising initiatives carried out by Red Cross and UNHCR.
‘‘They haven’t actually had any staff assisting with the country’s civilian evacuation. Everything seen on TV with food and shelter etc. being offered was wholly small self-funded groups and individuals. The UN have put up some tents but [there are] no people to assist refugees.
‘‘’Polish Red Cross did nothing until just a few weeks ago. They have now taken over the refugee centre on our border and kicked out all foreign volunteers. If you’re not Polish and aren’t registered with Red Cross, you can no longer assist in the centre.’’
The couple said they were proud to see the efforts of the New Zealand government supporting Ukraine.
‘‘We have soldiers training Ukrainians, and we support Ukrainewith finance and equipment.’’
Talking about former New Zealand soldier Dominic Abelen who was killed fighting on Ukraine’s front line while on an unpaid leave from the New Zealand Defence Force, Gill said Abelen died doing what he was trained for.
‘‘When an innocent country is being pillaged and its people slaughtered, most trained soldiers would have a desire to help.
‘‘His family should be proud of him, but of course losing someone is a tragedy in itself.’’
The couple left for Krako´w in Poland on July 4. They connected with Polish not-for-profit initiative Slot On The Border and learned there was a shortage of humanitarian aid.
The couple’s Safe Travel itinerary initially indicated Poland and Turkey as destinations, but they later included Ukraine as they cross borders almost every day.
Local charitable organisation Centrum Pomocy Humanitarnej wSzegini acknowledged the couple’s humanitarian work in a Facebook post for collecting funds, buying goods and making more than 500 parcels of essential supplies that were supplied to people in need.
‘‘I’m not sure the world really understands the extent of this tragedy and already many are tired of it, including media.’’ Stephen Gill