Humanitarian volunteers and founders of the 'Never Alone' project, Harriet Campbell, from Tauranga, and Jason Zan, from the United States. Photo / supplied
Humanitarian volunteers and founders of the 'Never Alone' project, Harriet Campbell, from Tauranga, and Jason Zan, from the United States. Photo / supplied
Tauranga baker and barista Harriet Campbell is gearing up for another trip to Ukraine with her humanitarian project, Never Alone, to raise awareness of the ongoing war.
She has made four trips to the war-torn country.
“Please don’t forget about what’s going on. I know it’s really easy, and especiallyin New Zealand, it’s so far away that sometimes you’re on another planet,” said Campbell.
In helping those in Ukraine following the invasion by Russia on February 24, 2022, Campbell said she had found her purpose.
“I have now made four trips to Ukraine. I have volunteered in animal rescue, in multiple kitchens providing food for displaced civilians and soldiers, assembling first aid kits for frontline troops, at an aid station for injured soldiers, and in many other initiatives.”
“The response that we’ve had from so many people has been quite overwhelming.
Humanitarian volunteers and founders of the 'Never Alone' project, Harriet Campbell, from Tauranga, and Jason Zan, from the United States. Photo / supplied
“It’s quite emotional to see that you can have such an impact with not a lot, just showing up and serving up some hot food and just showing them that they haven’t been forgotten.”
Campbell said the war is bleak.
“Sometimes it feels hopeless. People are really tired. They just want to live again.”
Aid given by humanitarian volunteers Harriet Campbell from Tauranga and Jason Zan from the United States. Photo / supplied
She said the level of hope is still going strong, and people are working as hard as they were in the beginning.
“On one occasion, we were two kilometres from the line. It was very interesting. Just hearing artillery.”
Photos of the ruins of the Ukrainian war captured by Tauranga humanitarian volunteer, Harriet Campbell. Photo / supplied
Campbell said the sound of artillery didn’t stop the whole time they were there.
Another time, they were at a base close to the Russian border.
“It’s just under constant barrage, every single night of the attacks. The city was bombed every single night.”
Aid given by humanitarian volunteers Harriet Campbell from Tauranga and Jason Zan from the United States. Photo / supplied
“Now we are planning our return to continue the Never Alone project.”
The project is about showing the Ukrainian people they are not alone.
“It’s providing a little bit of hope and some hot meals, showing people that they haven’t been forgotten about.
Aid given by humanitarian volunteers Harriet Campbell from Tauranga and Jason Zan from the United States. Photo / supplied
“Right now, it feels more important than ever to show the Ukrainian people that they aren’t alone.”
The pair are now fundraising for their June departure. They require between $10,000 and $15,000 for travel costs.
Aid given by humanitarian volunteers Harriet Campbell from Tauranga and Jason Zan from the United States. Photo / supplied
“The food side of the project is very affordable. I can feed about 100 people for between $100-$150. That includes meat, cookies, bread. It’s a good meal.”
