Otis and Frankie Lennox said when it came to helping Ukraine, “there was no point in not doing something”. PHOTO/ MARY ARGUE
MARY ARGUE
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As the horrors continue to unfold in Ukraine, including the latest allegations of war crimes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how we, in Wairarapa, can help.
However, siblings in Masterton have refused to be daunted by the scale of the tragedy.
With the help of their parents, they have organised a garage sale fundraiser today, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to people in Ukraine.
In mid-March, cooped up at home recovering from covid, the Lennox siblings Frankie, 10, and Otis, eight, were increasingly troubled by what they saw on the news.
“We saw all the bad things on television, and we wondered what we could,” said Frankie.
“There was no point in not doing something.”
Conversations culminated in a garage sale fundraiser at their school, Lakeview, on Saturday, April 9.
“It’s totally out of control,” their mum Stella said.
Otis’ room was full of items, yet more things turned up on the front porch every day. She said people wanted to help.
“They’ve been saying to us, ‘I’ve been thinking, and I don’t know what to do. You’ve given me something that feels like I’m helping’.”
Stella said it took a while to land on a charity to donate the money to, and the international organisation Shelterbox would receive every cent of what was raised this weekend.
She said with Shelterbox, people could see where their money was going. It felt like tangible help.
Shelterbox provided people living through the chaos of disaster with tools to build immediate shelter, keep warm, and access drinking water.
Frankie and Otis said the goal was to raise enough money, about $1100, to fund an entire Shelterbox Kit complete with tent, blankets, tools and solar lights.
However, that did not mean items would be expensive, said Otis.
Stella said it was important that the garage sale was affordable and accessible for everyone.
“We decide together what something should be.
“So, two people are benefiting here. All kids’ clothes are $1, adult clothes $2.”
Shoes would be $3 no matter what brand.
The garage sale was cash only and would be open from 9am, and there would be a coffee cart, sausage sizzle, and bake sale to enjoy, Stella said.
“We expect to be done and dusted by 12. It’s first in, best dressed.”
Ukraine Garage Sale Fundraiser at Lakeview School Hall, Colombo Rd entrance, Masterton from 9am Saturday, April 9.
- To see Shelterbox’s work visit: shelterbox.org
