Neumünster sends hope: electric taxis in use for Ukraine!

Neumünster sends hope: electric taxis in use for Ukraine!

Almost three years after the start of Russia's war of aggression, Ukraine remains in a difficult situation and urgently needs support. A particularly notable project is the initiative of Stadtwerke Neumünster (SWN), which sent a number of electric taxis from its “Hin&Wech” fleet to Novovolynsk, Neumünster's twin city. This donation is intended to provide concrete help in Ukraine and was implemented by a dedicated team from the municipal utilities under the leadership of sales manager Christian Hauschild and division manager Matthias Krökel. Together with working students, they began the journey to the twin city, which took a total of 17 hours. The first taxi is used in the hospital, another taxi provides mobility for seniors and the third supports people with disabilities.

As SWN reports, the handover was not only a logistical undertaking, but also an emotional experience. The team had the opportunity to visit a school where there were posters about traffic education and hand grenade identification. A touching visit took them to the Novovolynsk town hall, where portraits of the fallen soldiers hang on walls. In addition, the city's citizens have introduced a minute's silence for the fallen, which takes place daily at 9 a.m.

Further relief measures and support on site

The SWN plans not to view this relief effort as a one-off event. Further donations are planned, which will include relief goods such as office furniture, pumps and diesel generators. These goods are provided in collaboration with the Tietje Group from Itzehoe. The aim of this support is to secure the energy supply and medical infrastructure in Novovolynsk.

But the initiative by Stadtwerke Neumünster is only part of a larger aid network. The German Red Cross (DRK) is also extremely committed to Ukraine. According to the DRK regional association in Schleswig-Holstein, the ongoing conflict is leading to existential distress for many people. Full-time and volunteer employees provide around-the-clock support in initial reception centers for refugees.

The DRK provides humanitarian aid in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross. At the moment, 16 DRK employees are active on site. They focus on supporting particularly vulnerable groups in health and social care. The provision of shelter, basic medical care and food are part of the comprehensive range of assistance that is urgently needed. 12.7 million people in Ukraine are already dependent on humanitarian aid.

The challenges in winter

As the fourth winter approaches since the escalation of the conflict, the situation is becoming even more precarious. It can get down to minus 20 degrees in Ukraine, which puts older people, chronically ill people and children in particular in acute danger. To address these challenges, the DRK offers mobile health stations and home care teams that provide basic medical care and support.

An important goal of the DRK is not only to provide emergency aid, but also to develop long-term programs for psychosocial support. Community centers are being set up to provide basic social services and help strengthen disaster response structures. In order to be able to finance all of these measures, the DRK is calling for support through monetary donations, as donations in kind can no longer be accepted.

As the situation in Ukraine shows, initiatives such as those from the Neumünster municipal utility company and the German Red Cross are indispensable. Every commitment counts to help people in need and strengthen the community during this difficult time. The people of Ukraine need our help more than ever to regain hope and ensure basic supplies.