Frontline in need of more equipment
An Ayr dressmakers is taking donations to buy mercy kits for civilians fighting in Ukraine.
Olga’s Alterations in Newmarket Street is seeking funds that can be sent directly to the frontline to support volunteers with life-saving specialist military grade equipment.
Shop owner Olga Stewart (Milchenko) has been fearing the worst for her family caught in the conflict as the country is devastated by Russian attacks.
Olga is being helped by her son Taras Milchenko, who has been packing protective gear from his home in Kent and sending it to the frontline.
Taras ,who stayed in Ayrshire living in both Ayr and Kilmarnock before leaving for the south east of England in 2009, says donations are urgently required in his birth place.
Taras said:“Military aid is really needed – we need to get it over there as quickly as possible. Some of my friends have taken up arms and are defending their country to the best of their abilities.
“What I am doing is getting private donations from friends and anyone else who can help.
“Last week I was able to purchase body armour, first aid kits, pouches and walkie talkies.
“I am going to deliver it to the Ukrainian embassy – then it is going to be packed up and sent to the frontline.”
Taras was hit with a blow this week as stock levels of military gear in the UK nosedived.
In response he has vowed to continue to send cash across to Ukraine.
And he is able to transfer funds to the stricken country straight away with £1,000 wired across on Monday.
Taras added:“The military protection equipment is pretty much gone all across the UK.
“We have been sending money directly to the volunteers in Ukraine.”
Taras has thanked kind-hearted Ayrshire residents who have ensured a steady supply of donations to his mum’s shop.
He added:“Every single person who comes into my mum’s shop and brings donations and support is helping to raise awareness of this tragedy.
“The aid is going where it is urgently needed. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me so far.”
Donations are being accepted at Olga’s Alteration’s in Newmarket Street, Ayr.