Once the richest part of the Soviet Union, the Ukraine has suffered badly with the closure of some 50 mines and other heavy industry. Even some people still working are not being paid. They have been badly hit by the knock on effects of the devaluation of the Russian rouble against western currencies. Abingdon Lions Club have sent parcels of clothing collected locally, and also seeds so that they could grow their own vegetables. At £30 per parcel, postage is heavy, and we also use lorries that are going to the Ukraine for bulk delivery. Our efforts have been greatly helped by contributions totalling £1125 from clubs of District 105.

To attend the International Convention in Birmingham, three couples, all members of one of Makeyevka's two Lions Clubs and two Leos, made the 2000+ mile trip by road in a minibus helped by clubs along the way in Hungary, Poland and Germany. When they ran out of petrol in Maidstone, the local club helped them complete their journey. In Abingdon, they stayed with Lion families and, after the Convention, some entertainment and sightseeing was laid on for them. They returned with as much clothing and toys as could be packed in the minibus.

Following this visit, two Abingdon Lions made a return visit to Makeyevka to see for themselves the conditions in the area. They flew to Kiev and then made an arduous 15 hour overnight train journey. On the journey they saw many people working in the fields by hand as, for most people, it was essential to grow their own food or starve. The state pension is the equivalent of £30 per month.

In Makeyevka they visited a kindergarten where they met the 25 children of the home who were all orphaned or abandoned and had been taken in off the streets. They visited a second Kindergarten where some children had parents who were drug addicts or alcoholics. They also visited a Boarding School where all of the children go after leaving the Kindergartens. This building had broken windows, miserable washing facilities and deformed beds. Toilet facilities were terrible and the whole building had a Dickensian look and feel. They have difficulty keeping the children there as they prefer to go and live on the street.

Abingdon Lions Club with the support of many other clubs in the District are helping Makeyevka Lions improve the Kindergartens. At the moment we may be only scratching the surface of the whole problem but you can eat an elephant if you take one bite at a time. Please help us to help others.