IN THE COMMUNITY: ACT Foundation UK sends aid to Ukraine

A COMMUNITY group has sent a lorry load of love to Ukraine.

Members of the ACT Foundation UK collected 30 tons of food and other essentials and drove them to Romania, where they were then shared with refugees who had fled the country since Putin’s illegal invasion.

Some of the donations were taken into Ukraine itself, and shared with women and children.

A member of the ACT Foundation writes: “Deliberately flying towards a war zone would appear, on the face of it, to be a completely insane, grown-up choice to make.

“Driven by a supreme desire to serve others, these selfless people shine as a beacon of bright light into the darkest of human corners, setting examples for us all to follow. Totally unafraid and stridently stepping forward over the borders into the terrified and desolate arms of those Mothers and children who’ve fled from the bombs and rubble.

“More than seven million displaced Ukrainian people, to date, are living in makeshift homes as far away from the noise of shelling as possible throughout Ukraine.

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“Mostly these people are women and children who’ve also had the added, unimaginable heartbreak of having to bid farewell to their menfolk (and sons of fighting age), never knowing for certain if they’ll ever meet again, leaving them to face destruction and possible death.

“Impossible to empathise with this group of people; the only thing left to do is to bring a glimmer of light into their sorrowful lives in the way of genuine, heartfelt kindness and compassion. Helping to make their children smile again and, by default themselves.

“The ACT UK team arrived in Ukraine with truckloads of food, clothing, medical equipment, toys etc. and a plethora of psychological tools to help these once normal citizens – just like you and me – cope just a little bit better: simple, relaxing, traditional yoga, Conscious walking meditation and conscious dancing that all go towards taking ones to mind away from its imminent worries and off into a calmer more peaceful place.”

The displaced children are the focal of the ACT team’s efforts as they attempt to reignite some sparks of fun in the shape of new toys, face painting, craft making and playground games.

“Witnessing the unnatural strain and mistrust etched into their young and once innocent faces is something awful to recall.”

And another person said that six of the Act4Ukraine team are aged between 11 and 22, and there are four adults.

“I was completely blown away by the unexpected joy I felt, witnessing, day in, day out, heart-melting small acts of spontaneous love and kindness from the younger team towards all of the displaced, no matter the age or disability,” they wrote.

“Their innate and unsullied ability to connect with other children despite the obvious language barriers was a miracle to behold.

“Once again, smiling became effortless for the displaced children as their trust was reassured in the most authentic ways.

“These young people were a testament to the natural goodness and love inside us. A love that’s sadly eventually plastered over as we navigate the rocky pathways of life.

“The difference their unabashed, compassionate embraces brought to the faces of the less fortunate we encountered as we travelled through Ukraine will be etched onto my memory box for all time.

“Coming away from this experience, some find it strange that my feelings aren’t sorrowful (as one might imagine), but on the contrary, I feel a renewed sense of hope, having had the privilege to be part of this selfless team with the younger gang leading the way, demonstrating a purity of heart that’s a welcome reminder to us all.”