Karolina Slot-Kubrak could never have imagined how big the fundraiser would be when she started out with five bags of stuff in the garage last week. Soon that garage was full to the ceiling. In the meantime, the first truck has been brought to Poland by Dirk Bakker and he has made a warehouse available in Velsen-Noord. He also drives that way as often as necessary.
Karolina is overwhelmed by the help that comes her way from all sides. “Last week a friend asked if I had something for a collection in IJmuiden,” says the native Polish. “There are five of us at home so we all looked for something and started with five bags.” Karolina called in friends and soon the whole garage was full, where she normally has a beauty salon.
When she wasn’t home, a man brought a whole load of diapers. “My almost 6-year-old son was on top of the pile and reached the ceiling.” The man turns out to be Dirk Bakker, who will later also bring the first load of goods to Poland. Karolina is overwhelmed by his help. “He does it completely from his heart.” Dirk manages to find sponsors for the fuel costs and advances money if he buys more baby stuff. “I stood with shaking knees and I am so happy with Dirk,” says Karolina.
To sort
The days that follow Karolina uses to sort everything. She jokes that the children were almost neglected because she was so absorbed in them. “A friend came to help who made calls with the headset for work, another friend came quickly during her child’s swimming lesson.” They make all kinds of packs, including 40 for moms with babies.
Thanks to her Polish contacts, Karolina quickly finds the right people in Poland. The goods end up at the national Polish collection. Dirk will bring the next load to Poland in an even bigger truck. “Dirk also wants to show that entrepreneurs and small businesses can also help in a targeted way,” says Karolina.
Anyone who wants to bring something can visit the warehouse of Meba BV at Eendachtsstraat 20A at various times. More information can be found on the Facebook page Collecting relief goods Ukraine†