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News
from and about Ukraine & Ukrainians
Ukrainian Community Press Releases |
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News
from and about Ukraine & Ukrainians
Ukrainian Community Press Releases |
Subject: Transcarpathia Flood Update
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 15:06:50 +0200
Hello Friends,
The past month in Rakhiv has been busy. I'm leaving soon for a holiday in the USA and wanted to send out another update. The outpouring of assistance after the terrible flooding in November has been tremendous. The Roman Catholic church accross the street from my office has a constant line of people waiting for warm clothing, sausage, flour, and macaroni. Counterpart Humanitarian Assistance Program has been wonderful. They donated a truckload of medical equipment to our hospital which I would venture to say hasn't seen new equipment in over 20 years. They also brought us a truckload of US military surplus clothing for the cold winter months. The warm zub-zero degree boots greatly helped the people working on road, electricity, and general construction flood repairs in the freezing snow.
One day my friend Jereme, also a PC Volunteer, called from Kyiv to say that he'd been on a bus north of Kyiv that day and seen a convoy of Red Cross trucks on the road. He was excited because he was organizing a clothing drive in his school and was heartened to see the extent of cooperation from within and outside of Ukraine. I was even happier to see a few of these trucks in our town a few days later.
I've received e-mails offering assistance and prayers from Hungary, Sweden, Canada, the USA, Austria, and Russia. All of this is truly appreciated.
Little by little we are fighting back against the damage of the flood. But the reality remains that people in our district, and much of Transcarpathia, were hurting badly BEFORE the flood. The Ukrainian community's attention was obtained because of a terrible natural disaster. I hope that this attention, of thoughtful people everywhere, remains after the emergency relief efforts, and can be focused on long term "relief" efforts through sustainable development, economic reform, and building of a true democratic society.
My best to all of you. Thank you for your kindness and I hope your holidays are filled with many blessings.
Juniper Neill
US Peace Corps Volunteer
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