LISTOWEL – A local couple who immigrated from Ukraine to Canada a few years ago is spearheading a campaign to gather emergency supplies to send back to their home country.

Anastasia and Igor Stadnik have asked It Takes a Village to help collect donations to aid Ukrainian refugees and those defending their country against the Russian invasion.

The Stadniks have spent the last week here in Listowel, halfway across the world from those they love, watching in horror as Russia invades.

“It is terrible to feel because I even did not expect it because I have a lot of Russian friends,” said Igor. “In my mother’s line, some family was in Russia but did I expect this? No, never, but when they started bombing, I called my mother, saying the war was starting, and she could not imagine that. It is terrible. A lot of Russian soldiers have died, and the officials say no. Our forces, you can’t count because it’s horrible.”

They are asking for donations of supplies to be dropped off at It Takes A Village.

“I want to appeal to everyone who is concerned in Canada,” Anastasia wrote in a message to It Takes A Village. “I want to offer to help everyone we love, everyone who is now in Ukraine, now they need help, any help.”

“We’re doing this because we feel like we need to do something about the Russian invasion to our country – they are bombing our cities, killing civilians, people are dying, so we just need general stuff for them,” said Igor.

The list of suggested donation items includes diapers for children and adults, wet wipes, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, baby cream and other skincare products, women’s pads, medical devices, adhesive plasters, bandages, Tylenol, Advil, vitamins, painkillers, bed linen, blankets, towels, sleeping bags, socks of all sizes, children’s pants, women’s and men’s thermal underwear, new children’s clothes, shoes, new soft toys, medical supplies, medicine, first aid kits, medical tourniquets, batteries, flashlights, construction gloves, radios, Kevlar helmets and bulletproof vests.

“I still have family, and my wife still has family in the western part of the country, but my family do not want to leave,” said Igor. “They will stay there. My father is ready – he’ll protect his land no problem. It’s hard for me because I am just stressed about this. All the world right now has their attention on Ukraine. They should know that they should help Ukraine because Russia won’t stop bombing Ukraine. It’s not concerned with any country. So, you should be aware of this. We are all in this together.”

People can bring items to It Takes A Village at 148 Main St. W. Listowel. Call (519) 418-4651 or email listowelittakesavillage@gmail.com for more information.

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