Monmouth Rotary organised a public meeting last week with the aim of “Mobilising Monmouth to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. For more than three years people in Ukraine have been living through a nightmare.

The event was well attended with over fifty people packing the function room of The Royal Oak. Organiser, Kevin Graham of Monmouth Rotary, introduced two inspirational speakers who had recently returned from delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Col JC Clapsaddle (US Airforce retired) and Will Jackson (Hereford Rotary) outlined the current situation with 10 million people having been displaced and many without access to food, water and electricity. More than six million have also fled the country, leaving behind everything they have ever known, often including their loved ones. Homes, hospitals, and schools continue to be damaged, forcing further evacuations.

The worsening conflict means civilians are paying a heavy price with thousands killed or injured leading to an urgent need for all sorts of medical aid. The speakers mentioned those with life changing injuries and, shockingly, the large number of children requiring prosthetics.

Ukraine urgently needs our help and will do for years to come. The speakers outlined the costs and practicalities of delivering aid to Ukraine and, importantly, explained how this can be successfully achieved. Anrew Bartlett (Malvern Rotary) described how Malvern, by setting up a group with a local focus, had been able to provide effective help. It was suggested that the formation of a similar group would be a way to galvanise support in Monmouth. It was stressed that other ideas to help Ukraine are welcome.

If you are interested in helping the Mobilising Monmouth to support Ukraine campaign and/or wish to donate cash (always welcome!), please make contact or donate via the links on the Monmouth Rotary website: www.rotarymonmouth.com