While many stared in disbelief on February 24, 2022 as the first Russian troops crossed into Ukrainian territory, Plast scouts in Ukraine started mobilizing their networks.
This immediate response was enabled by actions back in 2018 when Plast scouts (known as Plastuny) in Ukraine started to focus on creating civic networks among students and members of Plast. Four years later, these networks have proven to play a crucial role during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Unlike some organizations surprised by Russia’s aggression, the Plastuny were ready to take action once war broke out in Ukraine.
Starting in late February 2022, Plastuny have pursued two major goals – helping protect Ukrainian sovereignty and providing humanitarian aid. Many Plastuny have voluntarily joined the Ukrainian armed forces or civilian defense groups. Others immediately responded by organizing humanitarian relief. Within the first two days of the invasion, a formal network of 50 volunteer hubs were set up in Ukraine by Plastuny. These sophisticated distribution and communication networks help Plastuny support civilian defense groups and offer assistance to the local population. From these extensive networks, Plastuny have been able to provide humanitarian aid to needy cities such as Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kyiv during the heavy Russian shelling and occupation.
Approximate locations of Plast Ukraine’s 50 hubs, allowing Plast scouts to distribute aid quickly and effectively. Source: Plast Lviv
Plast Ukraine in Action
Since the war began, Plastuny have come out in droves to help. Plast Lviv alone attracted almost 1,000 volunteers and organized more than 900 tons of humanitarian aid. Plast Ternopil has become a logistics center for medicine and first aid entering Ukraine, as well as a crucial resource in delivering these supplies as quickly and efficiently as possible during continuously shifting ground conditions.
The vast Plast network organizes blood drives and helps evacuate children from hospitals to less traumatized regions, so they may continue receiving medical care. These dedicated volunteers also deliver medications, food, first aid kits, and other defensive gear to heavily hit areas. In addition, in some Western Ukraine areas, Plastuny are organizing classes to help with childcare for displaced families.
Plast Leverages Global Network to Aid Ukraine
It is worth noting that Plast in Ukraine is receiving the support of many of its sister organizations throughout the world. For example, in the United States, Plast USA is working in partnership with Plast Ukraine and other relief organizations to help fundraise and deliver life-saving humanitarian items to the needy people of Ukraine. Together, these organizations have been delivering 40 tons of supplies of aid per week.
Plastuny in Europe have also jumped into action. As Plast Ukraine was setting up their internal hubs, Plastuny in the diaspora began to mobilize to create a wider support network. Plast warehouses in Poland are housing humanitarian supplies to be sent to Ukraine. In Belgium, Plastuny organized awareness campaigns, including a telethon that raised 18 million euros for Ukraine in one evening. Some of the largest humanitarian contributions have come from Plast Sweden, who has donated medicines and medical supplies to besieged regions of Ukraine.
Ways to Donate
As the war continues in Ukraine, humanitarian needs continue to grow. Plast USA’s campaign, Scouts for Ukraine, is raising funds for humanitarian support to Ukraine. By leveraging the extensive worldwide and in Ukraine scouting networks, Plast is able to make a difference by effectively and efficiently delivering aid to those who need it the most.
To make your tax deductible donation visit the Scouts for Ukraine donate page.
Source: https://life.pravda.com.ua/columns/2022/03/31/248052/
