In the premises of the transport company SLTI in Quimperlé, there was commotion in the hangars on Friday November 8. There are several volunteers from different associations who help Ukraine get busy. They are finishing wrapping the pallets which will soon go into the semi-trailer heading to central Ukraine. Tetania Richter, president of the Ukraine Bretagne Sud association, is leading the operation. “It’s Breizh Ukraine Solidaire from Vannes which co-finances the transport. It costs €3,300. Morbihan-Ukraine and the Belle-Ile collective also participate in donations,” explains the latter. For this 22nd humanitarian convoy, there is a lot of medical equipment: crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, surgical equipment, dressings, medicines, etc.
“At first, we were afraid to listen to his messages”
“We will also send blankets and warm clothes. We of course have food. We have chips that we're going to send to orphanages. It's important that children have something to enjoy too. Canned goods are important, especially for soldiers because they don't always have enough to eat,” explains the woman who has family on the front. His cousin regularly sends news. “After three years of conflict, we are used to it. At first, we were afraid to listen to his messages. He is part of a mine clearance battalion,” she explains.
Moreover, in this convoy there is a 4×4 car destined for the authorities of Cherkassy, in the center of the country, where it will provide connections between the first and second front lines. “The car is loaded with bandages and canned goods. It will be repainted to be camouflaged and will then be directly operational,” smiles Tetiana Richter. Other donations will be given to the Help and Hope approved charitable fund. “We choose the associations carefully. We want to get feedback on the management of donations on site. There, we chose to go to central Ukraine. It's more expensive and further away. But, at the borders, there are already a lot of donations accumulated,” argues Denis Senpere, president of Breizh Ukraine Solidaire.
“Candies for children”
As the war has entered its third year, Tetiana Richter does not hide her anguish over the election of Donald Trump in the United States. “I’m devastated. We know what he thinks of Putin and aid to Ukraine. I followed the election hour by hour. I didn’t sleep,” she grimaces. But she, like the other associations, wants to remain positive and is relieved to see that the mobilization is not weakening. “The wave of solidarity is impressive,” says Tetania Richter, who is already thinking about the next collection. We need generators. And candy for the children. »
