Delivery of new clothing to children in Ukraine

David Pond from Kingsand, Cornwall, is preparing to deliver brand-new coats, hoodies, and shoes to orphaned children in Ukraine ahead of the Christmas season, following a successful fundraising effort.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, Mr. Pond has been actively involved in humanitarian support, establishing a crisis response centre and raising funds to supply medical equipment and essential aid to those affected by the war.

The gifts will be handed out to 80 children, aged between two and 19 years, at an orphanage in Lviv on 12 December. Mr. Pond stated, This is a wonderful opportunity to provide children, enduring significant hardships, with a set of brand-new clothing.

Volunteers described the preparation of the gifts as highly personal, with each item clearly labelled with the recipient's name. Maggie Cardew, one of the contributors, explained, Seeing the names of the children makes you think immediately about each individual.

David Pond, former commodore of HMS Raleigh, noted that approximately 350,000 has been raised for the initiative, allowing him to make four to five aid missions to Ukraine annually.

Lesley Pond, David's wife, coordinated the selection and ordering of the new items, which cost around 100 per child, totaling about 8,000. Each child will receive a winter coat, a hooded jumper, and waterproof shoes, with sizes carefully matched to the children at the orphanage. The coats have fur-lined hoods to help keep the children warm in the much colder climate compared to Cornwall, she added.

Jane Baker, assisting with wrapping, highlighted the importance of giving new items rather than second-hand clothing. The children deserve the same respect any child would receive. I can't imagine the challenges of growing up in a war-torn country, especially at Christmas, she said.

Volunteers gathered at Maker with Rame Institute to wrap and organize the gifts, ensuring a personal touch for each child.

Author: Sophia Brooks