ParaCrew Mobile Health Clinic

Dear Reader,

As I’m sure you are aware, the ‘long peace’ seen in Europe since the end of WWII ended on the 24th of February when Russia plunged Europe into another war by launching a full-scale invasion of its sovereign neighbour. While the conflict has remained a regional matter, the violence has been all too real for the local Ukrainians who have struggled against economic hardship, civil corruption, and encroachments on their border. Despite these challenges, they have persistently demonstrated steadfast resolve toward protecting their sovereignty.

Thanks to many international organisations and non-profits, numerous volunteers have stepped in to help maintain the basic health needs of the Ukrainian people. However, the disruption to their public health services was unfortunately inevitable. Having spent over five years in Afghanistan, I have personally seen the devastating effects war can have on the innocent. Disrupted infrastructure can impair the availability of clean drinking water, and medication resupplies, which usually serves as a precursor to cholera outbreaks and unnecessary deaths from easily treatable diseases.

Who am I?

My name is Jack, and I’m a veteran and paramedic based in Canberra. I have spent several years in Afghanistan, firstly with the ADF and secondly as a medic at the Australian Embassy in Kabul. Since leaving the ADF, I have had the honour of working in both London and South Africa as a medic. My combined skills as a cavalryman and paramedic have fostered a keen drive to pursue humanitarian work in regions of the world affected by conflict. I’m also a keen woodworker and active member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association.

Why am I writing this?

In collaboration with ParaCrew, I plan to travel to Ukraine and use my professional skills as a paramedic, establishing a mobile health clinic. Our goal will be to assist in the resupply of medications and redressing of wounds for the local Ukrainians.

ParaCrew is a Norwegian registered non-profit humanitarian organisation that has successfully run supply convoys to numerous villages in central Ukraine. ParaCrew consists of a skilled group of allied health professionals and volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics.

ParaCrew can source medications and supplies thanks only to generous donations given to them. I am seeking donations of any size to support our work in Ukraine. These donations will aid in transportation, accommodation, and resourcing medical supplies for deployment at the ParaClinic mobile health post.

Should you wish to help, donations of any size would be greatly appreciated. I've set our goal as AUD 10,000, but I'm hoping we can surpass that. All proceeds will be used to facilitate the operation of the ParaClinic and provide monetary assistance to locals in Ukraine in need.

Thank you and Slava Ukraine.