In anticipation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Apopka, Florida started gathering relief supplies for Ukraine (before hostilities started). As of April 13th, volunteer truck drivers have transported 75 tons of relief supplies from the church in Apopka, Florida to New Jersey where the supplies are then shipped to the Polish border. From the Polish border, the supplies are distributed to the front lines in Ukraine.
The church set up an Amazon wish list of various humanitarian aid supplies. In the Amazon wish list, I noticed that tourniquets are in high demand. Purchasing the North American Rescue CAT Tourniquet, GEN 7 – Combat Application Tourniquets is $7.00 more through Amazon than Galls and other fire service providers. The wish list also includes knock-off tourniquets that make me question quality.
I spoke to a church member involved in the relief effort. I asked if I could gather donated CAT tourniquets and drop them off at the church in mid-June. She said please do. Currently, the church is shipping out a truck load of supplies to New Jersey every two weeks. I already have a trip to Florida planned for mid-June; my family will be traveling in several vehicles – space is not a problem. If I receive any torniquets after I leave for vacation in Florida, I will make another trip.
If you, your state association, fire department, or church would like to donate, please ship to:
George Stevens NVFC Director
57 Max White Road
Purvis MS 39475
I will maintain a donors list and let the church and NVFC members know where the donations came from.
Thanks,
George
Ukrainian Catholic Church in Apopka responds to Russian military attack on homeland – Central Florida News – 90.7 WMFE
https://www.wmfe.org/ukrainian-catholic-church-in-apopka-responds-to-russian-military-attack-on-homeland/196789
Ukrainian church in Apopka calls for donations (wesh.com)
https://www.wesh.com/article/ukrainian-church-apopka-donations/39318279