Dr Elena Artyukh (local Howick dentist for 22 years) and Valeriy Boyko (logistics) both Ukrainian born New Zealanders, joined a global campaign to take action by fundraising to help Ukraine.
A supporter from east Auckland gives an update below.
Like many people I had wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine, but in a tangible way.
I knit so I mentioned my idea to family, friends, and colleagues and, along with others from Waipu to Whanganui who heard about the knitting project, we made several hundred woollen jerseys for babies and children, which were sent to Ukraine and distributed to maternity hospitals and locals in need. Each jersey had a heart shaped cut out with the message, “With Love from NZ”.
Robyn, a generous supporter, supplied Italian thermal fabric to the Highland Park sewing group, who offered me a bundle. I cannot sew but thought if I could find people with overlockers and time, we could make thermals.
So, Janet a friend from Whangaparoa, sorted patterns, templates and overlockers and our first working bee was underway. Michelle from Beachlands organised another working bee, we drew and cut out piles of long johns and got sewing. Others from the Beachlands, Maraetai and Clevedon area, including the church, helped sew over 400 thermal tops and pants for newborns aged two years through to 10 years. A company kindly donated the elastic. Rachel from Beachlands spent many evenings sewing and she completed about 150 items. Valeriy and Elena, local Ukrainian Kiwis, who were aware of the needs of people in the war zone, said there was a need for wraps, so we made 80. Patsy from Pakuranga edged 60. Each article was stamped with a label “Made in NZ with Love” till the stamp ran out.
Many people assisted with enabling this project to be such a great success, a few letters accompanied parcels saying they were very grateful for the opportunity to contribute, they wanted to do something but did not know how to.
The project was an absolutely privilege to organise and facilitate and a pleasure to be able to help keep folks in Ukraine warm in the coming winter.
Valeriy met with Jane and Sarah [of the Howick Village Association] and we can now confirm that we will be returning to Howick on Saturday, August 19 for a fundraising event and also to say our big thanks to all of our supporters from the community.
Our fundraising stall will be at the corner of Picton St and Uxbridge Rd (Howick Rotunda). Paul Stephens, one of our supporters and an experienced string player, will join us. He will perform a programme of Ukrainian and world music to help raise funds for our campaign.
Want to contribute?
Check out our givealittle page set up to help Ukrainian hospitals with medical supplies and provide humanitarian aid to the misplaced Ukrainian people.
www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/medical-and-humanitarian-help-for-ukraine
- Emma [surname withheld], East Auckland
