Chuhuiv Central Hospital, the only major medical facility in the Ukrainian city of Chuhuiv, has purchased two beds for its maternity ward and an important surgical device, thanks to the generous support of the Harpswell community.
With Ukraine at war with neighboring Russia for nearly three years, it took months to procure a Thermocare KCE bed for newborns and a NewBabyCare electric bed for childbirth. The hospital also used $681 of the $32,000 in contributions toward the purchase of the surgical device.
In the past three years, Harpswell-area residents have contributed more than $100,000 in aid to the war-torn country through a series of fundraisers organized by Jerry Klepner and Connie Sage Conner.
2024’s event was held June 12 at Centennial Hall and featured food and beer provided by area restaurants and stores, as well as silent and live auctions of donated items.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that your support has made a profound difference in our community,” Viktoriia Khomenko, an employee of the city of Chuhuiv, said in an email. “Such valuable additions will make a real difference for new mothers and babies. Thank you so much from all of us.”
Chuhuiv, in northeastern Ukraine near Kharkiv and the Russian border, has been hit several times since the 2022 invasion, the second by Russia since it seized Crimea in 2014. The city has reported multiple deaths and injuries from Russian shelling. Air raid sirens shriek constantly.
With winter enveloping Ukraine and the country’s electric grid being bombed, Chuhuiv residents are dreading months with no heat. “Several hours each evening we’re without electricity,” Khomenko said in an email. “But honestly, everyone here has just one wish for Christmas: for this war to end.”
