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91Ƶ: Stretchers for Ukraine 91Ƶ compassion in a war-torn land

TODAY IN B.C.: Darrell McKay fundraises for supplies and stretchers
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A 94-year-old woman who was evacuated from her home in the Ukraine. (Darrell McKay photo)

You will find 91ƵToday in B.C.91Ƶ podcasts on , , , and podcasts.

Darrell McKay of Vancouver Island has made four visits to Ukraine to help with humanitarian efforts in the war-stricken country.

Host Peter McCully talks with McKay, a retired civil engineer who has been using his photography to highlight the conflict in Ukraine.

McKay discovered that stretchers were in short supply, leaving Ukrainian soldiers with a crude alternative: dragging bodies using a rope in a figure-eight pattern. Determined to make a difference, McKay focused on the positive and initiated a fundraising campaign. He successfully raised funds, procuring 102 portable stretchers, costing $37 each, to aid the soldiers on the front lines.

In his mission to provide relief, McKay helped with delivery of crucial medical supplies to the city of Kramatorsk. Hemostats, chest seals, and tourniquets were among the items supplied to support the soldiers in dealing with shrapnel and bullet wounds.

McKay recalls heartwarming encounters with the grateful recipients, who exhibited unwavering hospitality and appreciation for the aid they received.

91ƵThe oldest person was a 94-year-old lady,91Ƶ said McKay. 91ƵShe91Ƶd just been taken from her home and it was a town near Bakhmut. She said she was in the garden. They came to get her out to evacuate her. She looked at her garden, locked her front door, and she left her place. And when we talked to her, she said that she was quite comfortable. She91Ƶs got faith in her boys. She said she knows she91Ƶs going to go home. Her boys will win. That just shows you the will of the Ukrainian people, said McKay.

McKay says he was taken by surprise by how much people care.

91ƵOne friend in particular e-mailed me $1,000, which was amazing,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵShe just said, please give this to some of the people in refugee centre that may need help.91Ƶ So, I sorted this 91Ƶthousand dollars into envelopes. When I saw a family in need that I could tell was really in dire straits, I91Ƶd give them this envelope. On the envelope it said 91ƵA gift from Canada.91Ƶ People were quite surprised. A couple of them actually came up to me crying and said 91Ƶthank you very much.91Ƶ The money was enough to get a hotel room for a couple days in Poland and a few meals, just enough hopefully to bridge in between leaving their country and getting to their new refugee centre.91Ƶ

You can find out more about McKay91Ƶs efforts see photos of his travels on his page.

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Peter McCully

About the Author: Peter McCully

Peter has been a broadcaster and publisher on both of Canada91Ƶs coasts and has owned a small newspaper and run an advertising agency along the way.
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