A pair of Edinburgh brothers will be heading to war-torn Ukraine next week to help support families and children who have been affected by the ongoing military action.
David and Duncan Hamilton will drive a specialist vehicle donated by a finance company, to provide support through counselling and music therapy.
The brothers are also aiming to raise at least £20,000 in order to assist with the costs of upgrading and transporting the vehicle to help support the victims - and also to provide shelter and food for orphanages.
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Duncan and David are over halfway to meeting this target but are looking for a final push from the Scottish public to reach this ambitious goal.
David is now on his fourth mission to Ukraine, and is a volunteer with Edinburgh Direct Aid as well, following his recent retirement from the police force, and his role as Chair of the Scottish Police Federation.
Duncan is a member of the Faculty of Advocates, King’s Counsel and a part-time sheriff. He also has experience working with non-governmental organisations in areas like Georgia and Kosovo.
In Ukraine, thousands of children are 'internally displaced', and are traumatised by the scenes they have witnessed, which is the main aim of the brothers' mission - to help support them through this.
This vehicle was donated to Edinburgh Direct Aid but has required upgrade work to ensure it is passed to the Ukrainian partner charity ‘Small Wins’ 3 in a suitable condition.
It will provide a consulting space in which trauma therapy can most effectively be delivered. The vehicle has also been fitted out for disabled access.
The fact this is a mobile resource is critical, allowing help to be delivered where it is most urgently needed.
The costs of getting the vehicle to Ukraine, and to deliver a range of goods identified by the Ukrainian charity as those most needed is significant.
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David and Duncan are set to leave on Monday, June 12, and are asking for urgent financial support to ensure that the costs of making their resources available can be met.
The vehicle will be operating in areas where flood evacuees from Kherson have been taken.
Duncan said: ‘I am very much looking forward to working with EDA in their outstanding efforts to provide assistance to the people of Ukraine.
"We really hope this kind of practical help, working with a local Ukrainian charity, can make a difference.
"The fact David and I can do it together makes it even more special because it allows me to share for the first time what has been a passion of his for over 30 years."
David added: "There is something special about doing a trip like this with your brother and I’m very proud that he’s been so keen to come along.
"Ukrainians have a strong belief in family and I’m sure they will appreciate this connection.
"We still have more money to raise though so if you can assist, please do so."
Donations to the Edinburgh Direct Aid appeal to send David and Duncan to Ukraine can be made through the link here.
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