Less than a week after Westport surpassed its $250,000 fundraising goal for our new sister city of Lyman, Ukraine, the first aid has arrived.
Alex21 — the on-the-ground partners of Ukraine Aid International, founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — delivered much-needed supplies to the police department.
Printers, laptops, Starlink communications, tablets — and shoes, sweaters and socks — will help first responders immensely. That was identified as one of the town’s highest priorities by the mayor, after police headquarters were hit by Russian missiles.
On the way: materials to shore up apartment buildings until they can be fully repaired this spring. Residents are spending the winter in structures without head or electricity — sometimes without roofs or windows.
Much more aid is on the way, including crucial supplies for children and bombed-out schools.
Westport’s support has been a tremendous morale-booster, Lyman officials say.
For a first look, check out the video below. It was shot in Lyman this week by the Mayers and Liz Olegov of Alex21. It was edited by Katya and Clyde Wauchope, 2 members of the working group in Westport that helped raise the $252,000.
NOTE: The “Sister Cities” logo was designed by Miggs Burroughs. Then graphic artist and Staples High graduate has Ukrainian heritage.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporter Brian Mayer. Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).