On 28 December 2022, four aid organisations operating in Alblasserwaard and Vijfheerenlanden jointly held a collection drive for Ukraine. Despite the bad weather, the action day yielded a nice yield of some 400 banana boxes including salt, cooking oil, sugar, flour, oatmeal, rice, pasta, canned vegetables, meat and fish, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap. There were also special donations, such as a very large stock of biscuits from a baker, and lots of hair care products from a manufacturer.
Seven locations
Around 75 volunteers were involved in the action, which was held in Gorinchem, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Nieuw-Lekkerland, Groot-Ammers, Meerkerk, Vianen and Leerdam. Residents could hand in relief goods between 12 noon and 7pm, but items for Ukraine were dropped off even earlier.
Transport
The relief goods will go to Ukraine as early as January. The first transports leave 2 January 2023. At the aid organisations CRR, GAiN, MeHoRo and SHVVC, residents from the region ensure collection of goods as well as transport to refugee camps in the border areas with Ukraine and to Ukraine itself, sometimes even to the front.
Money
Residents could also donate money (via a Tikkie QR code) to NL74 RABO 0306 6331 83 t.n.v. Stichting Christian Refugee Relief, quoting Action Day Waardlanden. The proceeds so far are around €4,000. The money will be divided among the four aid organisations. Donations will continue to be very welcome after the Action Day.
Partners
The action day was partly possible thanks to the cooperation of Bewonersorganisatie Monnikenhof, CCR, Dier & Tuin, Molenlanden and Vijfheerenlanden municipalities, JCI Gorinchem, Localsignage, Netwerk NV, Opnieuw & Co Leerdam, Waardlanden and Werktalent Gorinchem.