Langford humanitarian group bringing medical supplies on next Ukraine trip
Vitaliia Atamanuk has been living at the Ukrainian Safe Haven in East Sooke since September, along with her two kids and her mother.
Fleeing the war in Ukraine, her husband Oleg – a general surgeon like her – has come to Vancouver Island to visit with his family.
Next week, Oleg will be returning to Ukraine, where he is desperately needed.
He practices in the west of the country, away from the front lines, but the hospital system there has still become overwhelmed with soldiers and civilians critically injured during the ongoing war with Russia.
On Wednesday, Oleg was given a specialized surgical drill to take with him back to Ukraine. It is a tool that is used to drill through bone for setting pins and rods into a patient.
Developer Seacliff Properties, which will soon break ground on the Royal Beach development in Colwood, purchased and donated the drill.
“We just wanted to lend our support in providing that equipment to ensure they are as best equipped as possible to help the people of Ukraine,” said Georgia Desjardins, Seacliff's director of development.
The man delivering the drill is Bob Beckett, who will soon lead another humanitarian mission to Ukraine soon, his second trip in less than a year.
“The need is absolutely urgent,” said Beckett. “We get requests everyday from our contacts there.”
The first trip in late June focused on feeding those displaced by the war. This trip will focus on medical supplies, currently housed at the Langford Fire Hall. As well, an assortment of fire rescue equipment will be donated including a Jaws of Life.
“You could imagine how valuable that would be in a building that’s collapsed,” said Chief Chris Aubrey of Langford Fire Rescue.
The hall is storing just some of the supplies the group will be taking to Ukraine. More will be purchased in neighbouring Poland and brought into the country during the trip.
Now, it’s a matter of getting the aid to Europe.
“If we’re spending money on freight, we’re not going to be able to turn that into badly needed supplies,” said Beckett.
He says he will be reaching out to Air Canada in hopes the airline will help get the supplies to where they are needed the most.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.