In the Alpes-Maritimes, survival backpacks to help Ukrainians

A simple stove and sleeping bag can become a precious commodity in extreme situations. The thousands of Ukrainians in the city of Mariupol know this well. Deprived of electricity and sometimes drinking water, it is difficult for the inhabitants to feed themselves and live decently. Thousands of kilometers from the city at war, in Peillon in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Mission Trekkeurs association is organizing to come to their aid. Volunteers fill backpacks with basic necessities and hygiene products. “The idea came when we saw the images on television of all these people who travel with shopping bags, wheeled bags over thousands of kilometers”, explains Anne-Laure Carrega, the vice-president of the association.

The association is inspired by hiking equipment, to keep the bag light and easily transportable by the inhabitants forced to flee. Water bottle, warm clothes, blanket but also chocolate and cuddly toy for children. The content of each bag is designed to meet the needs of refugees. Food and equipment are provided by sports shops, but also by numerous private donations. “Frankly people, they give, they share, they wear their hearts”, observes Martine, a volunteer.

This time, Those are 130 backpacks that will be transported to the Ukrainian border, to then be distributed to Mariupol. The city has been plagued by violent clashes for several weeks. But the association is struggling to finance its activity, an online kitty is open to support them. Pfirst objective: exceed the threshold of 2,000 euros.