In February 2022 Putin widened his invasion of Ukraine, provoking probably the largest humanitarian crisis in post war European history.  As we are all aware, winter has now arrived in Ukraine, made worse by the Russian campaign of attacks on civilian infrastructure. Putin's deadly missiles destroy power plants, water pipes and other essential infrastructure. The suffering of innocent people is certain to get worse - when there is no electricity, getting cold will be a death sentence for many of the most vulnerable!

As an act of solidarity to the Ukrainian nationals living in our community, Richmondshire Ukrainian Support Group say ‘Power to Ukraine’ and launch this fundraising appeal for life-saving generators and the transport costs to deliver them to Ukraine.

We will do this alongside ‘Operation Safe Drop’ (www.operationsafedrop.com) part of the Make a Difference Foundation (www.madfoundation.com).

Operation Safe Drop has a track record in delivering generators to Ukraine as well as solar panels, sleeping bags, chemical lights, food, warm clothing and medical equipment, returning with women, children and other vulnerable people. 

John Lawler of Make A Difference Foundation says:

“It is crucial that communities back home in the UK keep supporting what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. The start of the winter immediately brought challenges and hardship for families, particularly those close to the front line who are being attacked every day. Power substations are being hit in small communities and even the major cities are finding it extremely hard to operate. Without power families cannot communicate with each other, 3G disappears and phones, heaters and lights do not work and it’s only going to get worse as temperatures fall even further. Ukraine is our neighbour and it needs our help until this horrible war is over and until the rebuild ends.”

We hope you will join with us in sharing this fundraising appeal with your families and friends. Thank you from Richmondshire Refugee Support Group (RRSG)