As the second winter of Russia’s war on Ukraine nears, the need for help is greater than ever.
In Westport’s sister city of Lyman, the most urgent necessity is heat.
Our other sister city of Marigny-le-Lozon, France –the village that sparked the idea of uniting to help a Ukrainian town — has paid forward Westport’s post-World War II generosity. Marigny spent the summer gathering hundreds of Christmas gifts for Lyman’s children. They were shipped recently, for distribution soon to grateful, war-torn kids.
Of the 5,000 families remaining in Lyman, many lack heat. Ukrainian Aid International — the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — has helped put roofs on hundreds of apartments.
But thousands of people still need electricity and/or central heating. They rely on wood-burning stoves and diesel generators. They are not enough.
Ukraine Aid International has already supplied a wood pellet machine. It costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run one for the entire winter. It provides enough pellets to heat 1,000 homes. That’s $30 per home.
Feeding wood pellets into the machine; the process, and the pellets that heat 1,000 homes.
More is needed.
This holiday season, Westport”s goal is to provide 2 more machines. The total cost is $60,000.
The great news is: An anonymous donor has already guaranteed $30,000 — half of that goal!
Our job is to raise the other $30,000 by Christmas. It costs just $30 per home to heat 1,000 homes — so if we get 1,000 Westport donors to give $30 each, we’ll provide that second wood pellet machine.
Of course, you can give more — in $30 increments, or any amount you wish.
Ukraine Aid International is distributing Marigny’s holiday presents. They’ll ensure that the stoves are procured too, and make their way exactly as they’re promised.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
