BOISE, Idaho — It has been close to two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although the conflict is thousands of miles away, there have been several Idahoans who have made the trip to the other side of the world to help those impacted by the war.
Members of nonprofit Idaho Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine gathered at Full Gospel Slavic Church in Meridian on Saturday to share their experiences of volunteering in Ukraine.
The memories of meeting those torn apart by war is fresh in the mind of Rob Sturgill, one of the volunteers - who says we can't forget those in Ukraine who are impacted.
"All of us watched in the very beginning - the news showing the women and children fleeing, saying goodbye to their husbands, their fathers," Sturgill said. "As a father, it pulled at my heartstrings. I just felt compelled that that I had to do something, I couldn't just sit and watch this."
Sturgill jumped into action. He's made five trips to Ukraine to help those impacted: the Ukrainians in desperate situations - just trying to survive.
"Those are the folks that we are taking aid to - so that they can survive," Sturgill said. "A lot of those people have the feeling of they don't want to leave - it's their country, it's their home. What they want is freedom."
Several other members of Idaho Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine have also made the trek to the frontlines.
Volunteers with the group have done everything from shuttling women and children out of danger, sharing music, and giving food and aid to those who need it most.
"The people, the soldiers on the front lines, the people that are stuck in those villages on the front lines - they can't just move on. They're still in this situation, there's still a desperate need," Sturgill said. "Unfortunately, I think this year is going to be harder than ever, and the needs are going to be even greater. So I think we need to stand up and continue to provide them the help and the aid that they need, because it's the right thing to do."
You can support Idaho Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine in their mission to help those impacted by the war by donating online on their website.
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