A WOODLEY community stalwart is organising an urgent trip to deliver aid to Ukraine.
Ronnie Goodberry, who has already arranged for thousands of items to be donated, is preparing to make the 4,000 mile trip to support those living in conflict.
Following a tear-jerking conversation with a contact based on the Ukrainian border, Mr Goodberry decided to gather as much support as he could, as quickly as possible.
“Over the last few days, Russia has hit Ukraine badly with missiles and they have hit a lot of domestic infrastructure,” he said.
“The hub we previously visited is helping the Kherson hospital and the orphanage attached to it.”
The city of Kherson was first occupied by Russia in March and used as an administrative capital for the region, but earlier this month was liberated by Ukrainian soldiers.
However, since fleeing, Russian troops have been accused of “taking revenge” on locals by a Ukrainian official as they bombard the city, firing from range.
Russian forces also reportedly left behind explosive devices and booby traps as Ukraine’s troops moved back in.
Mr Goodberry said this has left the area with very little essentials to get through day-to-day life.
“Mothers are giving birth to babies with no medication whatsoever.
“The nurses and doctors are heating water in large metal buckets, putting it into bottles and then placing them in the bed to keep the mother and baby warm because there is no heating.
“There is no electricity so there are nurses walking round the corridors using torches and candles. They are desperate for the stuff.”
To compound the problems, winter in Ukraine could see temperatures as low as -20C.
Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, World Health Organizations regional director for Europe, recently told a news conference in Kyiv: “Put simply, this winter will be about survival”.
As a result, Mr Goodberry is hoping to collect as many items as possible before he makes the trip in the second week of December.
“They are in urgent need, I was in tears listening to some of the stories. I can’t describe it but we need to get this stuff out there for the kids and the mothers,” he said.
Items being requested include food, flashlights, batteries, candles, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, winter hats and scarves.
Cold and flu medication is also welcomed, along with any prescription drugs which are just out of date.
Donations can be made at 117 Shackleton Way, Monday to Sunday.
For more information, search Woodley Volunteer’s For Our Community (Covid-19) on Facebook.
