There have been huge efforts to raise funds for the victims of the war in Ukraine which is great. However not all the humanitarian aid is getting through to certain areas because of destroyed roads and bridges.

I am in touch with a family trapped in Kyiv. Svetlana , a mother has been supporting her mother and older sister in the Chernigov region so they can buy food. She lives with her two daughters age 13 and 18, in an apartment building. She is looking after 6 elderly families in the apartment building by helping with food. The men have joined the local defence.

When the war begun Svetlana sent a refund to all those who had purchased vintage fabrics from her even though she had already posted them because she did not know if they would be delivered to the buyers. Imagine organising refunds when your country has just been invaded! Svetlava declined offers of financial help at the time but two weeks later things have got so bad they are running out of money. 

I don’t think I need to tell you how horrific this war is and how frightened this family must be. This is a way of giving to this family and their neighbours directly right now. We can’t wait until humanitarian aid can reach Kyiv, we can do something at least for these few people now. 

It is extraordinary how , this woman, an acquaintance whom I occasionally bought pieces of old cloth from, is now someone I think of throughout the day until I sleep and again on waking each day. May there be peace ✌🏻