A Russian-Ukrainian group of friends collected donations in Würzburg for three days, then initiator Andrej Schmatkov made the long journey to the Polish-Ukrainian border with them. It is already the second aid delivery from Würzburg. Upon arrival, Shmatkov and a passenger load the clothes, medication and tin cans into a van. Then they distribute the relief supplies to the refugees.
And the people of Würzburg are not alone: there are numerous transporters from aid organizations at the border, as shown by video recordings of Schmatkov sent to the BR.
All donations have been sorted
Before leaving Würzburg, it was therefore important to sort the packages well: men’s sweaters, women’s sweaters, children’s clothes, stacked according to size if possible. Painkillers, first-aid kits, tampons and bandages, insulin syringes: everything came in its own box. And they were carefully labeled: Not only in German, but also in Ukrainian. “So that the aid organizations on site know immediately what’s in it,” explains one helper.
Great willingness to help in Würzburg
Luckily the weather cooperated: the donations were spread out in the tire trade courtyard in the port of Würzburg – covering a total of around 200 square meters. Every ten minutes, people came with cars full of donations. At some point the helpers could no longer accept any clothes. “We need space for food and medicine,” explains Alexandra Nazarenko. She is overwhelmed by the great solidarity: “Some people came here, donated things and stayed right there to help.”
Volunteers help with sorting and packing
The collection campaign was initiated by Andrej Schmatkov, managing director of a tire trade in the port of Würzburg. He drove to the border with relief supplies last Saturday. Word of the campaign then got around: on Tuesday, around 15 people stood in the yard and helped with acceptance, sorting and repackaging – structures that developed within a very short time. Although it seemed chaotic at first glance, everyone knew what to do and where help was needed. Just like Yana. She studies in Würzburg, but comes from the Ukraine, and is grateful that she can do something during this time.
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