It will be exactly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and the war started. Since then, many buildings have been destroyed, but the lives of many inhabitants are also completely upset. A few days after the raid, aid actions started from Drenthe and they are still there.
“We held a collection this fall that has yielded more than seven tons nationwide,” says Henk Rous, from Meppel. He was approached by Kerk in Action to coordinate the collection in Meppel in November.
He didn’t have to think long about that. “They showed us a video in which Ukrainian children themselves spoke. When you see that, you don’t say:” Just look at it. “
Anneke Genis, together with the other collectors in Meppel, raised more than 2000 euros. She noticed that people were generous: “They all gave something except one. Ukraine and children is a combination that makes people move.”
Even after three years there seems to be enough enthusiasm in Drenthe to help Ukraine. For example, the Frisian riders called in January to donate bicycles and blind sticks. A collection point is located in Nieuweroord, where the items can be brought.
And so there are still collections by people like Anneke and Henk. Rous: “We just have to make sure that those people are helped and supported. That is clear and ready. At least for me.”