Help Ukraine
Posted by Robin Ferguson on 10th Apr 2022
My heart is heavy...and I, like many others, want to help.
My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and the atrocities being waged on them. Fleeing with only what they can carry, sitting in bomb shelters with nothing to do but listen to the bombs pounding away at their homes and homeland.
Being in this industry my mind went to what it would be like not having needlework in my hands during this time of anguish. For the past few weeks I've been working on an idea with a friend, who is also a Pastor's wife. The first thought was getting yarn, hooks & needles into the hands of Ukrainians - who, by the way, are master knitters & crocheters. Logistically and in the moment, this is not going to work. The BEST way we can immediately help is by donating to the various charities out there. I've compiled a list of them including many religious denominations. If I missed yours please contact your Church for guidance.
International Committee of the Red Cross (you can also contact your local Red Cross)
Episcopal Relief & Development
Global Ministries (United Methodist Church)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Another small way to help is to purchase knitting & crochet patterns from Ukrainian designers on Ravelry. I have complied a search that I will link HERE - the caveat is you must be a member of Ravelry to view this list. If you are not on Ravelry come by the shop or find a friend who will let you take a look.
When refugees come to the States we can follow up with my idea. I have set aside a bag of my good stash yarn, along with hooks & needles for when the time comes that I can send to the Ukrainian knitters/crocheters. If you want to do the same I'll let you know when I'm ready to collect them for shipping.
--Peace