Over the past few months, it’s been devastating to watch awful scenes unfold in Ukraine with at least 12 million people having to flee their homes since the Russian invasion. When we heard that Exeter Round Table was fundraising in a bid to get cooking and heating equipment to Ukrainians in need, we were keen to help.
With funds raised from Exeter Round Table’s bonfire night fireworks display, individual donations and DCW’s contribution of £6,000, the charity raised a total of £21,340. This money has enabled Exeter Round Table to purchase 150 portable wood burning stoves, 50 water heaters and an assortment of extra flue extensions with 45-degree flue elbows.
The equipment has been delivered to shelters in Ukraine by Scott Cheadle from Toadpit Medical Services. DCW donated an additional £1,000 to fuel Scott’s ambulance so that money didn’t have to be taken from the existing donation pot.
Armed with the life-saving kit, Scott took the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre on Sunday 4th December 2022 and drove for two days to the Ukraine border near Przemyśl. He worked with Canada Way who have close ties with local organisations to ensure the stoves went to where they would be needed the most, mainly shelters which provide refuge for families, children, and orphans.
Power is extremely intermittent at these shelters. Sometimes they can get eight hours of power a day but often, it can be as little as two hours with power being off throughout the night. So, these wood burning stoves are vital to ensure that people can still cook whilst also keeping warm.
Check out Scott’s video diary where he documents the trip over on the Toadpit Medical Services Facebook page.
It’s hard to know what you can do to help when you are based thousands of miles away but by partnering with fantastic organisations, charities and selfless individuals, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to make a difference to those in Ukraine who need support.
Click here to learn how you can help and #StandWithUkraine.