Ukrainian mother and daughter join volunteers in Offaly loading supply trucks for Ukraine
A mother and daughter from Ukraine are helping volunteers at the rugby club in Tullamore to fill three trucks with vital supplies for the people of their own country which is ravaged by war.
Ankelina and Natalia Oleksiiento came to Tullamore on March 4 having first driven to Poland and then catching a plane to Ireland. Natalia already has a sister who has been living in Tullamore for the last 10 years.
Ankelina had been attending a medical college studying to be a doctor, she had just one year left. Her mother who lives in a region of Kyiv rang her to say that the war had started and she should return home.
''It was a little bit scary.'' said Ankelina. ''I packed up all my documents and came to my mother. I wanted to be with my family. The city is in panic, nobody knows what they need to do.''
Ankelina found it difficult to get back to Kyiv as there were throngs of people leaving.
''All the people are trying to move out of the city. They are still bombing not only military, they are killing civilians including children. They even bombed a kindergarten and a maternity hospital,''she said.
When Ankelina and her little brother came to Ireland they left their grandparents behind. They are Natalia’s parents. They are very worried about them but they have been in contact and say the area they are located in is relatively safe. We have also spoken to friends and they say they are safe and everything is going to be okay.’’ said Ankelina.
One serious issue is Ankelina’s grandmother has diabetes and is running out of medication. Ankelina and her mother have been trying to get some here to send over.
''People are without food, water and electricity. Some people have died because of lack of water,'' added Ankelina. ''They now fear a nuclear war.''
Ankelina also said some aid convoys are being bombed by the Russians.
While Ankelina and Natalia are glad to be here with their daughter and sister they are anxious. ''We don’t know about our future or what we need to do.''
Meanwhile for those wishing to help, the aid trucks will be at the rugby club tomorrow and Sunday March 12 and 13 from 10am until 4pm.
Ankelina says the people need medication badly, so if anyone is in a position to donate medication especially for asthma or diabetes then they will be very grateful. They also need first aid kits, knee pads, antiseptic and respirators. Other items such as bandages, dried foods including pasta, rice, porridge, blankets, warm clean or new clothing are all welcome.
Please do not bring old unwanted clothing items as they only will end up being dumped.