You Can Be a Hero Just for One Day

Redazione BnD . 08/02/2024 . Reading time: 3 minutes

SOS Healthcare Ukraine 2024: expedition n°10 The reality of those who, whether refugees, elderly people, women or minors, live in Ukraine is increasingly seriously compromised after 24 months of war; not only in the disputed territories but also in the rest of the country. Already overburdened civilian health facilities continue to struggle to provide basic care, while the elderly, disabled and single women with children face enormous daily challenges, exacerbated by the scarcity of essential resources such as diapers for the elderly living alone or baby food, as well as powdered milk and female sanitary pads. Not to mention the healthcare equipment, the medical-surgical devices… the bandages!

Children in the Desert, with its Drive4Aid program, has directly witnessed the devastating consequences of this conflict. Since the start of hostilities, we have carried out nine humanitarian expeditions to the border with Poland and to Ukraine, committing ourselves to supporting civilian health facilities and providing direct aid to the most vulnerable categories of the population. These interventions included the delivery of hygienic, sanitary and medical materials, devices for the disabled and innovative equipment for the autonomous production of electrolytic sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as amuchina. This equipment, produced by Medivac of Parma, was fundamental in our project for the sanitization of healthcare facilities, entirely financed by the Emilia Romagna Region; an initiative which aims to significantly guarantee the supply of sanitizers and improve the hygienic conditions of hospital facilities, helping to prevent the spread of diseases in an already critical context.

“You can be a hero, just for one day” as David Bowie sang, the White Duke in “Heroes” is our anthem during humanitarian expeditions at every latitude; from desert to steppe. Each expedition to Ukraine is a journey of over 3,000 kilometres, in all weather conditions, often in the snow. BnD only reimburses expenses such as diesel, tolls, food (often in truck stops) and accommodation (often in motels next to noisy highways). It is a commitment that brings with it risks, but also great satisfaction in seeing the impact of our work

To support the tenth shipment, you can make a liberal offer to our bank IBAN: IT55U0306909606100000188874, with the reason “SOS Healthcare Ukraine 2024”. For those who prefer alternative payment methods, you can also donate via PayPal. Donations to Children in the Desert enjoy tax benefits, as we are a recognized non-profit organization. This means that every contribution you make not only directly helps those in need, but can also offer tax advantages to you as a donor, according to current legislation.

Our volunteers are heroes without capes, who dedicate their time and put themselves on the line to bring help where it is needed most. Their dedication is the lifeblood of our missions, an extraordinary example of altruism and solidarity. The conflict in Ukraine reminds us that, behind the numbers and headlines, there are human stories of struggle, resilience and hope. Children in the Desert is doing everything we can to help these people, but our work cannot continue without the help of generous supporters. Every donation, every gesture of solidarity, brings light to a dark moment and contributes to building a better future for those affected by this tragedy.

Thank you! You will be, albeit virtually alongside us on the next van or ambulance headed to Ukraine, participating in this mission of hope and solidarity… together, we can continue to make a difference and offer vital support to those who desperately need it. Photo by Buts Roman

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