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KSD Highlands for Ukraine

 

Our charity, Rokpa Trust, was set up by Tibetan doctor, Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche, in 1980 after he left his homeland Tibet as a refugee and settled in Scotland. He went on to establish many projects under the Rokpa banner, one of the most significant being ROKPA International humanitarian charity (Home (rokpa.org)

 

After Russian forces invaded Ukraine in the first major war in Europe since 1945 it seemed only fitting that when the term “refugee” began to take on such an important aspect in the emerging conflict, our charity should be there to help - after all, Rokpa's translation is “Help Where Help is Needed”. And KSD Highlands, Rokpa's most northerly UK branch, developed into KSD Highlands for Ukraine.

 

Highlands for Ukraine logo

 

Initially, Highlands for Ukraine started sending essential aid to the refugee camps in Poland via the Polish Red Cross, then went on to take it right into Ukraine itself.

 

When our Ukrainian friends began to arrive in the Highlands - the vast majority housed in hotels with no host families to support them, Highlands for Ukraine developed into a two-pronged project.

 

Now we not only continue to collect essentials to support the Ukrainian civilians caught up in the war but also provide lots of essential items to allow our Ukrainian guests to feel comfortable here in the Highlands until they are able to return to their homeland (see below for just some of our work since the invasion began).

 

If you would like to help us by supporting our efforts, either here in the Highlands or in Ukraine, please feel free to click on the donate button below.

 

Thank you for your Kind Generosity ...

 

 

 

Ukraine aid group pic COPYRIGHT PANDJ

 

What We Do

 

  • Collect medical equipment from hospitals and health centres round the Highlands and send it to Ukraine
  • Arranged for an entire curtain-sided, flat-bed lorry load of aid each month to be shipped from Scotland for Ukraine
  • Collect cash donations to buy medical equipment in Ukraine
  • Opened a hub in the Longman area of Inverness where tonnes of donations were collected, sorted, and sent to Ukraine via the Polish Red Cross (temporarily closed while we try to find alternative premises)
  • Set up a support network for Ukrainians arriving in the Highlands, particularly for those housed in hotels with no hosts to rely upon
  • Obtained grants from Moray Firth Radio's Cash for Kids to buy clothes and essential items for children of displaced Ukrainian families now living in Highland
  • Collected thousands of donations of clothes, footwear, toiletries and other necessary items for adults - mostly those in the seven hotels around the Highlands - but also for adults and children with host families when necessary
  • Source refurbished Chromebooks for every family or child who needs one with the backing of Highland Council's Convener Bill Lobban and supported by Highland Council's IT department
  • Source mobile phones and sim cards for Ukrainians
  • Set up a collection scheme to source bikes for Ukrainian adults and children
  • Arrange English language conversation lessons for Ukrainians
  • Established a collection scheme to source musical instruments for Ukrainian children
  • Lobbied for free bus travel for displaced people coming to the Highlands (on-going project)
  • Interact with Highland Council's Resettlement Team to support Ukrainians coming to Highland, as well as with the Scottish Refuge Council
  • and work with Scotland's International Development Alliance in drawing up a framework for the Scottish Government for future displaced persons emergencies

     

    These projects are developing all the time so check with us to see the latest venture, such as fundraising by making friendship bracelets for Ukraine or collecting old washing machine drums to turn into fire-pits in Ukraine where over half the infrastructure has been destroyed in the face of temperatures of -20 this winter.

     

    wristband wristband

     

    Building a Peace and Health Centre

     

    In our tradition it is said that contributing towards building a sacred place brings the donors great blessings as it benefits not only this but also future generations.

     

    Our original work at KSD Highlands of establishing a peace and health centre here went on hold when Covid hit but will slowly but surely get under way again. If you would like to help, please email info@highlands.samye.org

     

    There are many ways to contribute towards establishing the peace and health centre, either financially or by offering your time or services:

     

    Volunteering

     

    Kagyu Samye Dzong Highlands will soon need people with specialised skills to work on particular projects. Could you offer some time as a volunteer, if so, we would like to hear from you. As our fundraising efforts increase this year, there will be lots of admin jobs that will require attention, please let us know if you think you can help.

     

    Sponsoring

     

    You can fundraise or donate in any way you wish - e.g. take part in sponsored events, or if you have any other ways you would like to help, get in touch.

     

    Interest-free Loans

     

    If you could help us in this way please contact our admin department on info@highlands.samye.org or telephone 07584 250987 We will be happy to provide you with details.

     

    Bequests

     

    Have you considered making a bequest in your will in favour of Kagyu Samye Dzong Highlands. Contact info@highlands.samye.org

     

     

    KSD Highlands is part of the Rokpa Trust, Scottish Charity number: SCO38628

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