Help a Ukrainian family get back on their feet

Basia Goodwiin is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Yaroslav Shepeliuk.

Donation protected

Dear friends, through joining together as a community we can make a big difference. Vitali, Irina, their children and grandchildren (15 family members in total) had to flee the Russian invasion. They left their home, work and lost all their belongings. Just the story of their escape is harrowing. Now they are safe and have been resettled in our region of Spain.

They get an allowance from an NGO that covers just a little bit more than their rent. For the rest, they have relied so far on the generosity of local people (which has been amazing and so heartwarming for the family). Local people have food shopped for them and provided clothes, prams, toys, etc., although they are not wealthy themselves.

Now that the family have sorted out all their papers, they are very eager to start working, learn Spanish and get their independence. The problem is that they are in a small village 25 miles away from Astorga, which is the nearest location to where they can get jobs and where all the shops are. It is also where the medical center is located - especially needed for Maritka, who is seven months pregnant.

If we rally round, we can help them cover the following expenses to launch them into independence:

5,000 € to buy a van or two cars with insurance, registration & full tanks. It is the only way they will be able to get to work.

3,000€ for one month of food /living costs /utilities before getting their first paychecks.

300€ for a computer and a couple more phones. So far, they have been learning Spanish on the 2 two smartphones they share.

The beneficiary of the campaign is Yaroslav Shepeliuk. He is the husband of the eldest daughter of the Shuba family. Yaroslav and his father-in-law, Vitalii Shuba, hold a joint account, towards which the funds will be directed. Yaroslav will be in charge of withdrawing and managing the funds. Every expense will be accounted for and justified.

Your money goes directly to their bank account. As well as a practical support, your generosity of heart will provide much needed moral support for them in what is a stressful, confusing, traumatic time. Even the smallest donation will make a difference to this this sweet family. With deep gratitude for taking the time to read this and any help you can provide.