HALIFAX – Two Canadians with ties to the Maritimes have been teaming as much as present non-lethal provides to Ukraine’s territorial forces.
Lex Brukovskiy, a lobster fisherman from Meteghan, N.S., and Don Bowser, who grew up in New Brunswick, joined forces on Monday, with Brukovskiy offering transport from Poland into Ukraine after Bowser gathered up the gear for a supply.
Bowser, a regulation enforcement and safety adviser, has been elevating funds and shopping for provides that embrace bulletproof vests, helmets and evening imaginative and prescient gear for Ukraine’s territorial defence models.
The 54-year-old guide stated he just lately heard about Brukovskiy’s work driving humanitarian provides to folks in besieged areas of jap Ukraine and contacted the Nova Scotian to ask for “a elevate” from Poland to usher in gear he has purchased.
Reached on the highway throughout their journey collectively on Monday, Bowser stated the cargo contains electronics, radio batteries and navy clothes for Ukraine troopers.
The 2 linked after Brukovskiy just lately returned from a visit delivering turbines and humanitarian help to the outskirts of Pokrovsk in southeastern Ukraine.
In a few of their social media posts, they’ve taken to referring to their collaboration as “the dream workforce.”
“We equip them with gear they don’t have. The territorial models are of their road garments in some case,” Bowser stated of his mission.
Bowser stated his crowdfunding donations are largely coming from Atlantic Canada. Brukovskiy’s humanitarian provides have additionally been largely funded by small fishing communities on Nova Scotia’s southwest coast.
Brukovskiy had targeted on delivering humanitarian help and ferrying displaced Ukrainians to security, however on account of connecting with Bowser, he determined to assist his fellow Canadian with supply.
“I had a car, so right here I’m. I had two days between my final journey and my subsequent journey. So I had yesterday and right this moment off, and I took the chance to make the run to Poland and provides Don a hand,” the fisherman stated.
The 2 usually learn the western information, together with the current disturbing documentation of atrocities in opposition to residents in cities round Kyiv that had been occupied by the Russian military.
Bowser stated the pictures encourage him to work longer hours to offer assist. “For each of us, it makes us all of the extra decided to remain right here and do the job,” he stated.
“Anyone has to do that, and so on the finish of the day, the extra horrors you see, the extra urgency there may be to ship.”
Brukovskiy stated he believes Ukraine is bracing for a second onslaught of Russian assaults and persevering with bombardments and shelling.
He stated he was shocked on the numbers of individuals making an attempt to flee the Donetsk and Pokrovsk areas throughout his voyage there over the weekend. “The traces of vehicles attempting to go away had been kilometres lengthy,” he stated. “Persons are making ready for the worst in that a part of the nation.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed April 6, 2022.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Anybody can learn Conversations, however to contribute, try to be registered Torstar account holder. If you don’t but have a Torstar account, you possibly can create one now (it’s free)
