On June 2nd, Brian Nolen, co-founder of non-profit NH4Ukraine.org, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding his work delivering supplies in Ukraine. NH4Ukraine.org is an all-volunteer organization started by longtime Bedford residents shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. They recognized the need, had the time and desire to help, and thus got right to work planning fund raising and relief trips to war-torn Ukraine. They saw the conflict as a “David and Goliath” situation that never should have started.
NH4Ukraine main purpose is purchasing wholesale humanitarian aid and delivering it to the hardest-hit areas of Ukraine directly impacted by the Russian invasion.
Some of the activities include:
Raising funds in the U.S. to purchase items in Ukraine. They are able to purchase
2-3 X more product from local merchants vs. shipping items from U.S.
They distribute items such as food and hygiene products, grains, sugar, salt and pasta. Adult diapers and feminine products since many of the remaining residents are elderly.
The team also makes visits to families living in shelters. Many of the children are in need of stimulation and activities like arts and crafts and treasure hunts.
They also collect donations for the military such as medical equipment and tourniquets.
NH4Ukraine.org also does deliveries for other organizations as well as pet relocations.
Some interesting facts:
70-80% of U.S. military aid is spent here in the United states. We are shipping 50 year old ordinance to the war effort and replacing this ordinance with newer stock. The costs are not funds being sent to Ukraine, but for replacing our outdated ammunitions.
Ukraine has also aligned Christmas with western culture on 25 December. It was previously celebrated in alignment with the Russian Orthodox Church in Early January. This allows families to celebrate for almost three weeks!
Brian purchased a van in Germany and rented an apartment in Kharkiv, a short distance from the Russian boarder in eastern Ukraine. The organization is now planning their 8th mission to Ukraine.
Visit https://www.nh4ukraine.org/ for further information or to make a donation.
This was an excellent presentation presented by an impassioned volunteer helping those very much in need.