A director of Stella’s Voice, the charity that works with vulnerable young women in Moldova and in Ukraine, has said he was moved to tears by a teen refugee resettled in Aberdeen.
Mark Morgan, the European director of Peterhead-based Stella’s Voice, said he could not believe his eyes after a young man, who came to the UK with nothing, handed over his new bike to another refugee, as otherwise she would have gone without.
Stella’s Voice were asked by Steve Murray who is the Port Chaplain of the Aberdeen Seafarer’s Centre to help Ukrainians that have fled the war and who have moved to Aberdeen. They were initially asked to supply bicycles for some of the younger teenagers and their mum’s (males 18-65 years of age are not allowed to leave Ukraine).
Arriving earlier than the arranged time, they were met by a young lad by the name of Danilo, aged 14years, he was so eager to get a bike that he came early to get his pick of what was available. Others turned up and the bikes we all donated. Danilo is from Bucha in Ukraine where the worst of the atrocities to date are known to have taken place during the war. Danilo showed us photos of his bike that he used to have in Ukraine, he explained that the bike was taken by Russian soldiers.
A short while after the bikes were given out and we had met some of the Ukrainians and learned more about their needs, a young girl was seen crying nearby, when asked why she was upset, she explained that she was hoping to get a bike but there were none left. Without hesitation, Danilo moved towards the girl and gave her his bike. At this point he did not know there would be more bikes coming. We were moved to tears and promised to get a replacement bike for Danilo the following week.
We turned up the following week with more bikes and other essentials; electrical items, blankets, pots, pans and other items that had been requested. Danilo was there and we gave him his replacement bike. This time he got to keep it and rode off on it.
Mr Morgan also met a gentleman by the name of Anatol from Mariupol, Ukraine, he has not only has lost his home - but his city which no longer exists! It’s hard to imagine that fact, but it’s the reality of what has happened and is still happening! The support the Charity has received is enabling them to respond and help those who have been displaced by this war in Ukraine. Mr Morgan said the work of Stella’s Voice was continuing in Moldova and that the group were also sending supplies into Ukraine where possible.
Mr Morgan said: “It costs about £5,000 to get a lorry to Ukraine – but in each lorry are £20,000 to £30,000 worth of essential goods.
“We would welcome cash donations to help us get essential items to where it is most needed.”