Harpswell volunteers will hold a fundraiser for war-torn Ukraine for the third year, this time to send money to the city of Chuhuiv to replace hospital equipment destroyed or damaged by Russian missiles.
The event will be on June 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Centennial Hall, 936 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell. Wine and beer and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. A silent auction will feature everything from pottery to paintings to pies.
“Even though we’re a small community, we need to do what we can, because Russia is not giving in or giving up and neither are we,” said Jerry Klepner, event organizer with Connie Sage Conner and a team of more than a dozen volunteers.
Chuhuiv is 23 miles from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Kharkiv is 20 miles from the Russian border. Chuhuiv has been targeted several times during the war and has sustained extensive damage to its hospital, an apartment building and a school. Two women were killed and numerous children injured.
“What is happening is a total MADNESS,” wrote Viktoriia Khomenko, leader of a city department for energy, international relations and investment.
In her email, Khomenko said, “Russians hit civilian infrastructure in our region every single day … then there are air raid warnings, after that — there is an all-clear sound — and in a minute a new air raid warning is given. But the worst thing is when you hear explosions and only after (an) air raid warning is given.”
“It takes seconds for a missile from the Russian city Belgorod to land in the Kharkiv Region — unfortunately we are very close to them,” she said. “As a result, private buildings, social infrastructure and private enterprise are damaged.”
The Virginia-based nonprofit TAPS — Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors —will send Harpswell’s donations to Chuhuiv for the second time.
Weeks after the war started, Harpswell raised more than $40,000 that was distributed to World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief and Save the Children. Last year, TAPS sent the more than $20,000 in tax-deductible gifts to purchase three used vehicles for Chuhuiv.
In an email, Chuhuiv Mayor Galina Minayeva wrote, “We thank you for being with us, supporting and helping us overcome challenges, strengthening our faith in ourselves and our potential.”
