It has been nearly 2 years since we held a Hands of Hope Ukraine Charity Concert at the Fly By Night Club in Fremantle to raise funds to supply 120 beds and cots for a disabled orphanage in Ukraine. The night was a huge success, raising almost $30,000.

Following the concert, the Hands of Hope team spent months researching various options available to provide beds, cots and mattress for every child at the Ladyzhyn Disabled orphanage in Ukraine. The process took much longer than any of us had imagined...

Our initial investigations focused on finding a supplier in Ukraine. Unfortunately the quality and price of the beds being produced did not make this option viable and we looked at other opportunities. After finding a supplier of second-hand hospital beds in the USA at a fantastic price, we discovered that second-hand goods are classed as 'Charitable Aid' and the Ukraine has a restriction on accepting Charitable Aid.

We then focused our attention on purchasing new products, working with Export Kerry, an Australian supplier of medical equipment. They were kind enough to provide 'cost prices' for the items to be manufactured in China. We discovered once the goods arrive in Ukraine, it could take months for them to be assessed for taxes and during this time we would need to pay storage fees. It was not possible to finalise the overall cost of this option.

Our team on the ground in Ukraine did not give up hope and were very fortunate to come across a local manufacturer who was willing to specifically design and make the beds and cots in the Ukraine. Once we approved the prototypes, it all came together.

It gives us the greatest pleasure to inform you that the goal was achieved in July 2009, a total of 49 Beds, 68 Cots and 117 Mattresses were delivered to the children at the Ladyzhyn Disabled Orphanage in Ukraine!!

 


This is a fantastic outcome for the children and staff at Ladyzhyn and it would not have been possible without the support and contribution of many people. With many people making a small contribution, we collectively make a huge difference.

Rose Parker, Penny Webb and Caroline Nurse (Fundraising Team)