Ever wonder why the Okanagan Gleaners do what we do? Here are words from Laura Allen with Shelters International Disaster Response in Kelowna:
“Hello all. This trip (to Ukraine) has been a lot more challenging than previously. Delivering soup mix to villages only two kilometres from the frontline, and it’s pretty well prairie with a bit of scrub. We found areas that had not seen help since the beginning of this war. One older woman came out of her house and yelled that they found us. We are important. I cried. Then we gave them all food. All of the places we are delivering now require Ukrainian military escort. The barrage of missiles hitting is almost like the sound of a very strong thunder. I can’t imagine living in these conditions. One village, they were so hungry it was almost perilous for the crowd. Seniors so desperate that they are willing to step on their neighbours. Now we have to cordon off entry so this risk of harm to self is eliminated. Off to Odessa today, then Kerson tomorrow. Your (Gleaners)soup has made it into Bakhmut by one of our Ukrainian teams. Pray a wee prayer for me, folks, I could use them. And a lighter vest. Lots of love to you all.”
You can help contribute to this adventure. Volunteer to process food at Okanagan Gleaners at 507 Road 3, Oliver on Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
You can donate to Okanagan Gleaners by clicking on the donate button at okanagangleaners.com. Or by etransfer at [email protected].
Greg Masson, general manager, Okanagan Gleaners
