Print for Save Ukraine
By Frazer Chesterman
I have just been in to see the busy team behind (Print for) Save Ukraine Charity. Save Ukraine is an initiative established by London based Ukrainians and has been helping provide medical equipment, ambulances and supplies for families affected by this unprovoked attack on their lives, liberty and culture.
The Team behind the Save Ukraine Initiative
Irina Pierrot set up the group with her friend Aliya Aralbaeva, from Wimbledon, just two days after the invasion. Helping them run it are former Surbiton resident Tanya Piggins and another South Londoner, Maria Milko.
Irina, a mother of three, was born in Crimea and left Ukraine when she was 20. She has friends all over the country and returns there every year. "I was born and grew up in Ukraine, I consider it home. It’s really sad. We’re all the same, it’s a real tragedy."
After the invasion, there were frantic calls between Ukraine and London. "We were crying for two days. Some of our friends started fleeing, spending days on the border. Some went back because their husband wasn’t allowed out," she added. The group's appeal for ambulances and medical supplies quickly gained support.
Alexandr, a South Londoner from Ukraine, is driving an ambulance that he used his savings to buy to the country’s border. Once there, his contacts will take the ambulance and drive it to hospitals where supplies are needed. Alexandr is not crossing the border because if he did go his wife and children would want to join him - and it's not safe for them. He decided to make the trip after hearing about the invasion and wanting to do something to help.
Vehicles packed with supplies head to Lviv
"I was thinking, what can I do?” he said. “If I buy an ambulance it might save somebody's life." News of his effort spread fast and inspired Irina and Aliya to set up their appeal. People have been generous when helping him - the ambulance was sold at a low price and the vehicle was restored for free, Alexandr added.
Irina explains that medical professionals are now contacting the group to tell them about written-off specialist equipment available in London hospitals. Neonatal hospitals are now one of the main focuses of the group's efforts and baby supplies are urgently needed, their Ukrainian contacts say.
She added: "Thank you all for your desire to help, it's a great support and motivation for us here. We feel we are not alone."
The print industry is a global community, and we know a lot of people are already making their own donations to various good causes to help the people of Ukraine.
You can help by donating here