Reports from transports, visits to Kharkiv and what happens with the donations.
Thanks to a good sponsor we were able to send a whole package of phones and tablets to Kharkiv. A modern portable ultrasound probe paired with a phone from the Netherlands lets this doctor take quick scans. The more mobile this kind of equipment is, the better it stands up to attacks, power cuts and other trouble, so that care can be given even in wartime conditions.
This year the big Christmas tree in Kharkiv stands in the metro, underground and safe from attack. The city itself is cheerful enough, with a Christmas metro train and decorations along the roads. And Russian fireworks every night, because the attacks carry on through the holidays too. So we carry on as well, raising budget for vehicles, for medical supplies and for IT. Thank you to everyone who contributed this past year.
At the hacker conference WHY2025 we had the chance to explain why we started Aid to Ukraine and what keeps us going. All talks are recorded, so we can share this one here. Ron and Niels talk about the network, the role of the community in organising the aid, how the foundation came about, and how you can help.
Last month we drove vehicles full of practical goods to Kharkiv. Alongside a solid stock for acute care we brought much requested parts for the vehicles, computers and laptops. The visits are good for the contacts and the network, which keeps the truck transports running smoothly and helps us gather the right things back in the Netherlands. That is what the whole project comes down to: the right things, with the right people. Thanks to everything donors in our network here put in, we manage it regularly, and that is wonderful. Thank you.
The Dutch Angry Nerds Podcast covers our project regularly, for which many thanks. This episode answers an important question: what do you do when you have equipment left over? They explain how donating works (get in touch, for instance at more@aidtoukraine.nl), what you can expect (we are glad to come to you) and what is left for you to do (decide what you want to part with). Office equipment such as laptops, desktops, monitors, servers and network gear is all welcome, and gets a good second life through our contacts in Kharkiv.