City of Lethbridge donating surplus items to Ukraine

“It was a no-brainer to support this however we could. You know, Lethbridge City Council has been great in supporting us and it’s been really, not just the fire department, city stores has been here, our members, and then just being able to take this and get this equipment to not only first responders that are on the front lines, but really to hospitals and clinics in Ukraine that really do need this equipment.”

The items include medical equipment, PPE, ballistic vests, helmets, fire-proof jackets, and more.

Normally, the city makes these types of donations to places like Mexico, but given the current situation in Ukraine, L’Hirondelle says sending these goods there instead makes all the sense in the world.

“For us, it’s hard to imagine what it’s like to try and go to a fire while you’re being shot at or when your fire station has been leveled or your family’s been evacuated, and yet you’re still responding to people in need. So it’s pretty easy for us to make those decisions and to support it.”

Lethbridge City Council voted unanimously last month to make the donation.

At the time of the decision, Mayor Blaine Hyggen said “Our thoughts are with those in Ukraine dealing with this tragic and awful ongoing situation. This is one way Lethbridge is doing what it can to help provide support to relief efforts.”

Further donations are being coordinated through retired Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Captain Paul Wasylewich, who can be reached at medmstr@telusplanet.net.

According to the 2016 federal census, Alberta was home to 369,090 people of Ukrainian descent, including 6,550 people who lived in Lethbridge.

READ MORE on how Albertans are helping Ukraine:
Alberta donating over $5 million to support Ukraine
Lethbridge rally shows support for Ukraine

(Lethbridge News Now)

by David Opinko

City of Lethbridge donating surplus items to Ukraine

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