It has been 1486 days since Russia began its war on Ukraine—four years. Modern warfare has evolved to the point where it is no longer possible to assume safety if you live far from the front lines. Long-range drones and missiles are capable of reaching nearly all towns and cities in Ukraine. This past winter has been particularly brutal. With temperatures frequently below zero, Ukrainian power stations were intentionally hit repeatedly in an attempt to destroy morale and freeze people into submission. No heat, no electricity and no working elevators in apartment blocks. In many cities, children attend school in underground classrooms for safety and because they can be kept warmer.
Four years ago, we formed the Ukraine Support Group to faithfully address specific, tangible needs in Ukraine. We have partnered with St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral to identify individual projects that we could fully sponsor. We have provided medical equipment, therapy for disabled children, microscopes for a school science lab, and many other forms of assistance. Last November, we purchased an emergency evacuation vehicle to rescue severely injured from front lines, and also 100 defibrillators. Most recently, our donations have provided supplies to stock “Warming Stations” which provide warmth, hot meals, blankets and medications to those in apartment blocks with no heat or electricity. We also delivered meals and groceries to the elderly, unable to leave their high-rise apartments.
Ukraine continues to confound those who were certain that the country would fall in days. Instead, Ukraine has redefined modern warfare in terms of equipment design, strategy and the sheer will of its people to remain a free, democratic and European country.
We will continue to support the people of Ukraine with funds raised at our Ukrainian Easter Market on Palm Sunday, March 29, from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm in St. John's West Avenue Lobby. Or if you prefer, you can donate online via Breeze (select "Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine" from the drop-down). All proceeds will go toward the purchase of equipment for a new Rehab Center in Ivano-Frankivsk that specializes in mobility issues and limb replacement therapy.
We do not have the means to end this war, but we do have the ability to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and provide support to its people in whatever way we can, as our faith calls us to do. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
- Sandie Stoianovici, Chair, Ukrainian Support Group