Is this another fundraiser for an anonymous unit operating somewhere in Ukraine? No it's not! We are supporting the squad of our Elvira's Dad!

Elvira, a refugee from Kaniv in Cherkasy Oblast, came to Leszno in March. And since the very beginning she has been an instrumental part of the Leszno For Ukraine Foundation! And not only that. She helps at "MOPR", the municipal family support centre. She organises classes for Ukrainian children. She helps to translate the materials for our psychological support events.

The list goes on! You will find Elvira wherever help is needed. She regularly checks the railway station to meet refugees who are lost. She visits refugee centres in Leszno to offer support. She runs to help anyone facing difficulties, like poverty. And all that while looking after her younger sister when her Mum is at work.

And where is Elvira's Dad? As you might have guessed, he is on the front line...

Elvira's Dad's passion is carpentry. He used to build beautiful furniture for his family, as well as for his customers. He was in this lucky position where his job was his passion! He loves creating these wonderful gifts for his loved ones... But when the war started, in March this year, his wife and children left Ukraine and found a home away from home in Leszno. He stayed.

When local men got mobilised he volunteered immediately. For two months he has been stationed in Donbas, near Donetsk. Together with his batallion he has been defending, and fighting to recover, Ukrainian land.

However, as we all know, the Ukrainian army cannot always provide its soldiers with all the equipment necessary in their fight. Units try to crowdfund to purchase everything they need. This is why today we would like to ask you for your help to support Elvira's Dad's 9-man squad. We are fundraising for military clothes and equipment, in particular:

- 2 walkie-talkie sets,

- 5 powerbanks 10000 mAh,

- a thermal-imaging camera,

- binoculars 12x magnification.

Also for clothing items:

- 18 pairs of neoprene socks size 41-44,

- thermal underwear (2x size M, 3x size L, 2x size XL).

Finally:

- 5 backpacks 60L,

- 7 pairs of warm military gloves (2x size M, 3x size L, 2x size XL),

all either pixel-patterned or olive-coloured. Why these particular ones? These are the colours of the Ukrainian soldiers, and that is how they recognise each other in the field.

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So again, this is not an anonymous fundraiser. The money will help the Dad of one of us. Of a Leszno girl who helps us every day. We are collecting money as the items are quite specific and specialised. And we need to be quick!

Elvira's Dad's unit is near Donetsk today. They are moving forward. Every day matters for them.

This is why the collection will only last a week and be intense. Please share the news everywhere. Send it to your friends! With the money we raise we will buy the equipment listed and send it to Ukraine where it will reach the battalion's base.

Keep your fingers crossed as things are happening again and your help is needed more than ever!