Last May, I went to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees.
While there, I learned that medical supplies were in short supply for the Ukrainian Military, and also for civilians hurt by the shelling.
Unfortunately, graft is rampant. Nearly a fourth of all humanitarian aid from the West lands on the Black Market or worse, in the hands of the Russians.
But, using Rotary International contacts in Poland and Ukraine, I found a way to guarantee that the $15,000+ in medical supplies we purchased were delivered to military medics at the front line [Bakhmut, Ukraine].
"The war in Ukraine may no longer be in the headlines, but the needs are more urgent than ever." - UN spokesperson on BBC News
With your help, I will again try to purchase medical supplies in Vienna and transport them to Jaroslaw, Poland. Using these same trusted contacts, the supplies will be picked up by Cherkasy, Ukraine, Rotary Club members and transported to the front [see letter, below].
The Plan
Fly to Vienna, Austria, rent a vehicle, stock it with medical supplies to be used for victims of the war, both military and civilian, drive to Jaroslaw, Poland, and deliver the supplies to trusted Rotary contacts.
My Promise
I pay for all my own expenses – air travel, gas, food and accommodations – out of my own pocket. One hundred percent of your donation will be used for medical supplies.
Thank You
Thank you for reading this far, and thanks even more if you donate.
I will provide a day-to-day diary of my journey to any who wish to follow, including photos. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about this project.
Rob Grede
