Ukraine will be duo’s August fundraising focus

A DUO from Stranraer and Kirkcudbright are throwing themselves into a number of fundraising efforts ahead of their final visit to two cities in Ukraine this year.

Iain Gordon and Andrew Macdonald will be travelling to Kharkiv and Sumy in autumn to support families impacted by the ongoing conflict, by distributing resources to communities in need as part of the ‘Ambulances4Ukraine’ project.

The pair will hand out clothing, new-baby boxes, wheelchairs, medical supplies, and more; all which have been donated locally in Dumfries and Galloway.

“They never ask for anything,” Andrew tells us, having first donated an ambulance to a community in Ukraine following an attack in the early days of the conflict.

Art materials will also be handed out to Ukrainian children.

Meanwhile, 120 pieces of artwork created by some of the young people Andrew and Iain support, have been gathered together to be put up for sale locally. The art, which has been created by the Ukrainian children aged 3-17, focuses on peace, but also depicts the ongoing conflict.

“The artwork is amazing. It can also be a bit dark too, but that is to be expected,” Andrew said.

The pieces will go on sale at Kirkcudbright Art and Craft Trail this weekend, with all donations going towards supporting their next visit in October.

Other fairs and talks are to be delivered in Dumfries and Galloway throughout August by the Ambulances4Ukraine team.

Andrew explained more about his motivations behind getting involved: “I am now retired, I like a challenge and want to keep busy, but most importantly, thought why aren’t more people doing this? Once you have been over there, you understand immediately why you are doing it and want to keep going back,” he said.

Discussing those they work with, he added: “The people are amazing, full of life, determined never to give in, and give big hugs when we meet, ever thankful that they have not been forgotten.”

He explained that Ukraine is the friendliest place he has visited, despite the enduring conflict.

“If I can bring them vehicles, aid, the occasional gift it makes their day and mine. I will keep going there, helping however I can, long after this war has finished. I could not wish for better friends,” he added.

The funds raised by the team will go to schools to help fund supplies and events. They hope the artwork may also take the children’s minds off current challenges.

The following ambulances4ukraine talks take place on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm:

August 12: Gatehouse Community Centre.
August 19: Castle Douglas Community Centre.
August 26: Kirkcudbright Parish Church.
For more details, visit ambulances4ukraine.com.