Almost two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, KentRelief Tunbridge Wells is continuing to provide vital support both for Ukrainians living in the Borough and those at home on the frontline.
The charity, which is based at the TN2 Community Centre in Sherwood, regularly sends aid out to Ukraine, working with local and international partners to deliver basic goods, including medical items, mobility aids, tents, and animal feed.
KentRelief’s efforts include giving support to a community of 70 families who were evacuated from Bakhmut, a hospital helping recovering veterans and an orphanage for children who have lost parents in the war.
The charity has received major recognition for its work, most recently receiving a certificate of thanks from the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, with another certificate of thanks awarded by the Commander of the Support Services of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Sue Ramsay is CEO of KentRelief. She told the Times: “The war is still continuing, there has been a bit of fatigue, but we continue to work hard because the war has not abated. You’re still hearing stories of the daily atrocities in Ukraine and we’re committing to providing support to remind people that the war isn’t over and that the humanitarian need for aid continues.”
KentRelief Tunbridge Wells also has large numbers of volunteers from Ukraine.
Sasha Obiedkova has been volunteering at KentRelief since April 2022, having moved to Tunbridge Wells from the Ukranian city of Kharkiv in March 2022, one month after the war began.
She explained that ‘like all Ukranians’ she only expected to live in England ‘for a few weeks’.
Sasha added: “I was bored of sitting at home and wanted to find a way to help my country. In some magic way I found KentRelief’s Facebook page. It makes me happy volunteering because I know that I am doing something very important.
“In one day Ukranian people can lose everything, because their houses can burn, and they might be left with nothing. But for me, we are not just sending important stuff, we are sending love. We are sending hope,” Sasha said.
“It’s not an easy decision to be a refugee. You have to be very, very scared to choose this.
“I am here, I am safe, but my heart is still in Ukraine. I’m still crying when something happens. I am here because of my son, if I did not have my son I would still be at home. But I cannot keep my son safe if I am not safe. I feel safe not just because there is no war here, but because people take care of me here.”
KentRelief welcomes new volunteers and donations. For more information visit: kentrelief.org.uk
