Many people know what they’d take from their home in an emergency – sentimental jewelry, important family heirlooms, or perhaps a cherished photo album.
But for people living in war-torn areas, there often just isn’t enough time to prepare what they would like to leave with — or the situation is so dire they can only take what’s needed to survive.
That’s why Newmarket’s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Barrie’s Mapleview Church, and Chatham’s Loads of Love Humanitarian Aid and Mission Society are working together to make those difficult choices just a little bit easier — the best way they can.
Until Sept. 1, this local co-operative will be organizing, collecting and donating a “mountain” of emergency backpacks for Ukrainian refugees in need, who are living in or fleeing war-torn areas.
To ensure each backpack is filled with essential items that will help families and individuals stay as safe as possible during periods of turmoil, the group is collecting a variety of survival supplies, personal hygiene products, clothing, bedding and food. A full list of needed items, including those for separate children’s backpacks, can be seen above.
In addition to individual supplies and pre-packed backpacks, the group is also accepting monetary donations, which will be put toward purchasing different items.
“If you have a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit, then if anything happens, you can grab it, put it on your back, and go,” said Valerie Carleton, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation. “For three days, you don’t have to worry.”
Though Ed Dickson, Overseas Director of Loads of Love, has set an overall goal of 3,000 filled backpacks, the local The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation simply wishes to donate what they can. So far, they’ve filled 25 backpacks in total, partly through a successful door-to-door donation blitz down Gorham Street.
Those interested in donating can drop off items at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 820 Gorham St, Newmarket every Sunday between 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Donations will close Sept. 1, giving the group time to assemble the backpacks before they’re shipped off to Ukraine in October.
So far, the group has seen great support from the community, with several local companies donating items like pens and crayons. They’ve also been touched by more personal donations, including a special ‘I love you’ bracelet for a young refugee.
“I’ve almost wanted to cry because of the thoughtfulness of so many people,” said Carleton. “It’s been amazing.”
For more information or to schedule a donation outside of the church drop-off times, contact Valerie Carleton at 905-895-4112.
“Are the backpacks going to stop the war there? No,” said Carleton. “But it lets these people know that somebody cares, and maybe that will give them the hope to move forward.”
