The Archieparchy of Ivano-Frankivsk is in the west of Ukraine, an area where many internal refugees from the most war-affected regions of the country have fled to for safety.
The local Church is caring for these refugees and now urgently needs a vehicle so that they can transport not only goods but also people whenever needed. Unfortunately, the old minivan they were using was already 21 years old and has now – after endless repairs – finally given up the ghost and become beyond further repair. So there is a desperate need for a reliable vehicle that is not going to run up yet more expenses through a constant need for repairs.
Many of the refugee families are currently housed in the Catholic youth centre in Pidlyute. But this is around 55 miles (90 km) away from Ivano-Frankivsk and 27 miles (45 km) from the nearest urban centre. It is even 5 km to the nearest bus-stop! For the sick and elderly especially this is just too far, if they need to visit a doctor, for example.
And so they have asked us to help so they can buy a nine-seater minibus. We have promised them 40,000 Euros. Can you help us?