Former Langford fire chief Bob Beckett is worried that Canadians are growing weary of the war in Ukraine.
But with war raging on, winter setting in and Russian forces pounding power plants with missiles and drones, he believes it’s more important than ever to support the people of Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Beckett was part of a small community group in Langford that raised $450,000 for aid to Ukraine. The volunteers travelled to the country in June to deliver firefighting equipment to heavily battered Ukrainian cities, and also provided funding for a food program.
A new fundraising mission is underway to provide medical supplies to treat some of the close to 10,000 people who have been injured during the Russian invasion, with a fundraising event set for this weekend in Langford.
Beckett is planning to return to Ukraine in January to deliver medical equipment and supplies.
“We can do more than just stand with Ukraine — we can help with their fight to defend their sovereignty through humanitarian aid efforts by supplying medical supplies, medicine and rescue equipment to areas under bombardment,” he said. “The latest missile strikes and threats of Belarus joining Russia have added more urgency to the supplies that Ukrainians will need to rescue and treat their wounded.”
The team will partner with GlobalMedic, a registered Canadian charity that has provided disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid since 2002. GlobalMedic has boots on the ground in Ukraine and is well-suited to procure and deliver medical supplies, medicine and rescue equipment to Ukrainians, said Beckett.
The fundraising Gala for Ukraine will take place Saturday at the Bear Mountain Westin in Langford. The event will feature a silent auction, dinner, Ukrainian musical performances and a documentary filmed by CTV reporter Brendan Strain, who accompanied Beckett on the first humanitarian visit in June.
Tickets are $180 per person, $350 per couple or a sponsored table for $5,000. Donations for the silent auction will also be accepted.
Please contact [email protected] for tickets or to donate a silent auction item.
