Aid for people and animals in Ukraine
Source: https://www.propferd.at/main.asp?VID=1&kat1=87&kat2=644&NID=7971&DDate=05062022&scsqs=1
With his organization, the Verein für weltweite Nothilfe, Georg Jachan from Gföhl near Krems in Niederösterreich supports people and animals in need in many countries – with the current focus on the Ukraine. But now the supply of relief goods is slowing down – donations of any kind are urgently needed.
Since its founding in 2015, ProPferd has also been supporting organizations helping people and animals in need. For a long time, we have been following the missions of the Verein für weltweite Nothilfe, led by Georg Jachan from Gföhl near Krems in Lower Austria.
Georg Jachan is something like the good soul of Gföhl: With his organization, he reaches people and animals in the countries where he has built a network of supporters — in Austria, Romania, Syria, Pakistan, and through many years of aid for orphanages in Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 20 forty-ton trucks and numerous private vans filled with relief goods have reached people and animals in Ukraine thanks to his initiative and with the help of the Brantner Gruppe from Krems. Meanwhile, supplies are running low, as Georg Jachan reveals in an interview with ProPferd.
ProPferd: What do you currently need most urgently for the people and animals on the ground?
Georg: Thanks to our good network, we now deliver almost everywhere in Ukraine. In the west, the number of internally displaced people is increasing daily. In other words: everything is needed — clothing, mattresses, blankets, food, animal feed, medical supplies, medications, and medical equipment. Because fuel and transport prices are rising, we try to purchase as much as possible in western Ukraine and in neighboring Romania. Financial support is becoming increasingly important.
ProPferd: You and your supporters personally transport the donated relief goods into the war zone. Are you brave, crazy, or reckless?
Georg: Probably a bit of all three 😊
But above all, I'm an empathetic person who cannot bear the suffering of others and refuses to stand by idly when injustice occurs. I suppose I may have a diagnosis—if something like a “Michael Kohlhaas syndrome” exists 😊
ProPferd: How do people react when you and your supporters arrive in the villages and small towns through countless secret routes?
Georg: Our help is always accepted. People are often overjoyed that the rest of Europe has not forgotten them. Many are surprised that an Austrian is helping and manages to make it all the way to the unloading point.
ProPferd: We are a horse-related platform and report on national and international animal welfare organizations, such as Equiwent. You, however, support street dogs/cats and animal shelters in the war zone. What is needed most urgently there?
Georg: As always, we consult with the people on the ground first. We only deliver what is actually needed. The need for animal food is practically constant. We have already delivered fish food, turtle food, and parrot food as well.
ProPferd: Since the beginning of the war, you personally drive into the war zone and plan to advance into the Donbas soon. It is said that no one gets through there anymore. Why do you still try?
Georg: Because there is always a way. Since 2018, when I already delivered relief supplies via Odessa into the Donbass, I have built very good contacts with the military — and, above all, I have friends in Ukraine. People I can rely on and trust. Networking is everything.
ProPferd: At the start of the war in Ukraine, the willingness to help was tremendous. Companies, clubs, and private individuals were extremely engaged, almost euphoric about helping. Why is the overall willingness to donate decreasing after three months of war?
Georg: I cannot speak for others. As far as I'm concerned, perseverance is one of my few strengths, and I do not abandon anyone.
ProPferd: How do you motivate people to remain generous, despite their own worries?
Georg: I believe many people support us because we also help people in need in Austria and Germany. That the willingness to donate is directly proportional to economic development and prosperity is unfortunately undeniable.
In any case, I will continue — even if fewer donations come in and the overall willingness to help declines. ♥