Collection from 18th August through 14th October 2024
Buckets as a sign of solidarity – Doves as a sign of hope
This year we collected buckets with hygiene products and comforters (quilts) for people in Ukraine. It has now been more than two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. This war has brought unspeakable suffering to the people in Ukraine. Apart from traumatic experiences and grief there are many practical needs. This is where this collection comes in.
We carried out this campaign together with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), coordinating with other European Mennonite relief organizations. The collected goods will be distributed by our partner organization in Ukraine, the Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Ukraine (AMBCU). AMBCU is active in Zaporizhzhya and other regions. Their goal is to respond to the physical needs of socially and economically disadvantaged people in Ukraine and improve regular access to food. The project covers about 2200 people who live in the war zone or in regions close to it, including the Zaporizhzhya region. These are temporarily displaced persons, refugees from low-income and socially unprotected families.
In total, 653 buckets were filled by individuals, during dedicated events, or using donated money. The comforters were made with a great effort by local quilting groups in Switzerland. Eventually, we were able to send 400 comforters to Ukraine.
Campaigns like this would not be possible without the generosity, helpfulness, and flexibility of so many. Be it by contributing one or more buckets, financial donations, carrying out public fundraisers, or by offering practical help. Especially at the end of the campaign we had to rely on support from various sides. The truck arrived one day earlier than expected, but there were enough volunteers who spontaneously helped load. At a different place we received uncomplicated support from the communal maintenance depot when we needed a forklift.
Now the buckets and comforters have arrived in Ukraine and are being/have been distributed. Along with the buckets and comforters, colorful doves of peace made of paper are handed out. The doves were colored by children and adults and sent along with the truck, as a sign of hope. We have received some feedback from Ukraine:
“Our living conditions are difficult, but we will survive, and your help is important for our lives. I wish for peace and stability, so I can return home and help others.”
“We are very much challenged emotionally. It is unclear when the war will end. We have learned what help and support mean.”
Meanwhile, such campaigns are not only a blessing for those who receive help. One of the helpers notes: “The process of helping together connects me with those who help here and with those in need. And it gives me the opportunity to live out my faith concretely once more.”
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed in any way!
What to put in one bucket?
- 4 towels: 2 big ones (70 x 140 cm) and 2 small ones (50 x 100 cm)
- 1 hairbrush
- 1 large comb
- 1 large (toe) nail clipper, packaged
- 4 toothbrushes for adults, packaged
- 3 packs of dental floss, at least 120 m in total
- Band aids, at least 40 pieces, packaged
- 1 or 2 bottles of shampoo, at least 600 ml in total, in zip lock bags
- Sanitary towels, individually packaged, at least 26 pieces. No incontinence pads or pantyliners
- Baby wet wipes: 2 packs, at least 144 wipes in total
- At least 400 g of hand soap, pH neutral, packaged
- At least 800 g of laundry soap, no washing powder.
The laundry soap can be purchased directly at the collection site.
Proposed products (poster): German, French
Important
- Please use only newly purchased articles.
- Stick to the listed content, no additional articles.
- Bring the complete set of articles inside the bucket or a bag to the collection site.
Where to bring the buckets?
Please bring the filled buckets no later than 14th October. The Mennonite churches or the contacts listed below can provide you with information about the collection sites.
By the way…
If you would like to support our campaign financially, you can do that using the payment slip attached to the Flyer (German, French) beiliegt.
Kontakt
Campaign
Matthias Hofer: hofer.isaak@gmx.ch
Marianne Rediger: m.rediger@bluewin.ch
Quilting groups
Maria Friesen: mariafriesen@gmx.ch
