Aid delivered to north Kherson region

On 10th August Sunflower Scotland delivered 1,100 kg of food and cleaning supplies to 150 falimies in Novovorontsovka, north Kherson region. This area was part of the war zone in 2022, when Russia occupied Kherson region. It was liberated, but two years on life here is still extremely dangerous. It is only 12km from the Russian army. Houses and cars are targeted by artillery and drones.

The volume of aid was too much for one vehicle. We went together with two local Ukrainian charities – Shira Sprava and Steel Heart – who contributed volunteers and a vehicle. We thank them for the help!

This is not the first time we help people of the north Kherson region. Novovorontsovka is a large village. It was at the north edge of the Russian occupation area. As such, it became a battle zone in 2022. Unfortunately, it remains a battle zone now. The Russians are only 12km away: within the range of the field artillery.

The village had a large primary and secondary school, a jobcenter, a medical station. All that infrastructure was destroyed during the 2022 occupation. Some people – who had money – left to Lviv or to Europe. Those who had no money, remained.

The village is regularly shelled by artillery and drones. We were quick. We delivered 150 bags of humanitarian aid, roughly 1,100 kg in total. Each bag had bare essentials: food, sunflower oil, washing powder, soap, toothpaste. We purchased everything in Ukraine to support local producers.

Each bag included 2kg of pasta, which we purchased from a local factory in Kyiv. Other items – sunflower oil, flour, bulgur wheat, sugar, tea, tinned meat, washing powder, toothpaste and soap – we bought from a wholesale supplier in the Sumy region.

Ukraine does not have Costco, and the cheapest way to buy groceries is from a wholesale supplier. Retail giants like ATB and Silpo also have wholesale departments, but we want to support Ukrainian small businesses (ATB is absolutely fine without our help). That’s why we buy from a small trader not far from Sumy.

Scots from West Lothian donated knitted quilts, scarves and plaids which they crafted for Ukraine. Torchiphen Kirk donated them to Oleg, and he took these gifts all the way from Torphichen to Kherson oblast, and gave them to the local women. They were thrilled to receive hand-made gifts from Scotland: each of them had a piece of Scottish heart in it.

This emotional support is very important. During long, dark winter hours, these items will bring warmth and love. They will remind the local people that they are not alone, that Scotland remembers them.