Anna & Shayna Ukraine Medical Volunteer Support

February 24th, 2022.

 

The day Ukraine will never forget, and neither will the world.

 

This day marks the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. An invasion that is ongoing and devastating millions of Ukrainian citizens. It is also devastating the hearts of many throughout the world.

 

For Shayna and Anna, this devastation was not something they could sit by and watch. Not with their nursing skills. Not with their disaster relief experience. They knew they had to help. It was just a matter of how.

 

A vision of how is slowly taking shape, and they are seeking support to make it happen.

 

These two registered nurses from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, will be flying to the Ukrainian border in mid-April to assist refugees escaping through the border crossings. They plan to stay for approximately one month and make as much of an impact as they can during their time.

 

For this, they need your help.

 

Shayna and Anna are currently rostered on a stand-by list with Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT). While awaiting this potential placement, they are planning to fly out regardless and to find a team on the ground if necessary. A volunteer coordination centre in Przemysl, Poland can direct them to a team placement if needed, and they are in contact with other organisations and teams already on the ground as well. They have a plan and are doing their research.

 

Who are they?

 

Shayna Rose Lavallee is a registered nurse with 7 years of experience in acute psychiatry in a hospital environment. She provided mental health support at an evacuation centre following the Fort MacMurray wildfires in 2016. She is certified in Red Cross Psychological First Aid and has significant experience assisting those in distress following traumatic life events.

 

Anna McRobbie has a decade of nursing experience in ER/ICU/mental health, etc… Disaster relief in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina spurred her to go into nursing, and now Ukraine is pulling at her to give back. Bilingual and experienced in rough camping, she wants to use her knowledge and privilege to help Ukraine.

 

Timeline:

 

They will be flying out on April 11th, and plan to stay until May 9th. Specific dates will be determined by Westjet flight availability, as they have received a special discount through Westjet for flight accommodations. They will be flying from Edmonton to Paris and then coordinating flights or trains to get to their final destination on the Ukraine border.

 

How Will the Funds be Used?

 

The majority of these funds will be used to purchase supplies and/or donated to volunteer organisations working on the ground, including Canadian Medical Assistance Teams. A small amount will go towards supplementing the financial burden incurred, including flight and transportation costs. Another small portion will be allocated for emergencies, such as theft, and will be donated at the end of this trip if not used.

Ukraine Medical Volunteer Go Fund Me Video For Shayna and Anna