By Shannon Donnelly, Palm Beach Daily News
Ambassador Earle Mack isn’t one to leave things half-done.
After making several humanitarian missions to Ukrainian refugee centers in Poland and Hungary last spring, he and his mission partner former New York Gov. George Pataki were boots-on-the-ground again, this time with equipment to help refugees survive the frigid Ukrainian winter.
Mack and Pataki, accompanied by philanthropist Tom Quick, delivered a dozen industrial-grade, self-generating heaters to refugee shelters in Ukraine and border towns where displaced families will be spending the cold months.
The temporary shelters, many of which are converted schools or municipal buildings, have been without adequate heat as the Russian military has begun targeting basic infrastructure in the country.
“Over the past several weeks, it has become clear that the Russian strategy in Ukraine is to severely damage, if not obliterate, the electric and energy infrastructure across the country,” Mack said.
“This means that for millions in Ukraine, this cold, unbearable winter must be endured without access to heat. It is critical that we provide Ukrainians with tools that can make a difference. If each heater can save one life, this mission will be an immense success and pave the way for future efforts.”
Quick described the mission as “a call to action for people in the free world to help save lives. … These are human lives — not collateral damage.”
The heroes have returned stateside. So when you see them, give them a big “attaboy!.”
And maybe a hot toddy. It’s cold over there.
This story was originally published by the Palm Beach Daily News here: https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/entertainment/2022/12/04/palm-beachers-donate-heaters-help-ukrainian-refugees-survive-winter/10810297002/