After overseeing a five-figure dental donation to Ukraine, Leo Jurkiw opens up about the importance of maintaining momentum when it comes to helping refugees.
June saw Prima Dental donate more than £85,000 worth of dental equipment, including dental burs, instruments, and dental mirrors to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion.
Kicking off in March, the supplies will allow dentists in the country to drill and fill teeth for six months.
Leo Jurkiw helped to arrange the donation, overseeing the process in South-East London earlier this month.
Generous Donation
‘The whole process has taken place remotely’, he says.
‘I have had a few email exchanges with people at Prima Dental. But it is such a generous donation that I thought it would be great to get down there and thank them.
‘I really wanted to thank them in person because it is not an insignificant figure. Several people have been involved, from the warehouse to finance to management.’
‘It was lovely. As the day went on, more and more people started appearing. They were quite excited about it all too. We watched the supplies get loaded up and there were photographs and handshakes – it was smashing.
‘Prima Dental have a lot of experience working in that part of the world. They are aware of how little they are selling now but decided to give that amount for free instead.’
Morale Issue
But Leo says that help and donations are as important as ever when it comes to supporting Ukraine.
‘It is a very worrying time’ he adds.
‘The dental side is only a small part of what I’m doing. I’m also volunteering to help Ukrainian refugees that are coming into Nottingham. I’m also demonstrating at every change possible in support of Ukraine. There’s a lot that needs to be done.
‘The morale issue is so important. When I spoke to people from Ukraine, it isn’t so much about what people are doing but more that people are trying to do something. This is what gives them the strength to carry on.’
Donate Now
‘Prima Dental has made a fantastic gesture here. But the need is still there. If others could follow, then that be wonderful’ Leo adds.
If you would like to help or donate, you can contact Leo at dentists.standwith.ukraine@outlook.com
