PEORIA, Ill. – As the war in Ukraine will soon move into its third year of conflict, so does an effort in Peoria to help support Ukrainians on the front lines against Russian forces.
US Ambulances for Ukraine began in March of 2022, when founder Chris Manson’s daughter asked him what they could do to help support the Ukrainians.
Manson is the Vice President of Governmental Relations for OSF Healthcare, and told WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” on Friday that support from the sisters at OSF were key in the early days of the effort.
“I said ‘Hey, I’ve got this calling to do this, my daughter’s concerned about the suffering in Ukraine, I feel like I’ve got to do something to help.’ And Sister Mikela said, far be it from a sister to not listen to a calling,” Manson said.
Manson says in those early days, OSF provided ambulances and SUVs. Later in February 2024, the organization will send its 10th shipment of emergency vehicles to Ukraine.
Manson says there’s no slowing down in supporting the Ukrainian people.
“This is one of those things where there’s an unfortunate need, I’ve somehow tapped into something and now developed a bit of a skill set,” Manson said. “As long as the need is there, as long as people are interested in doing something to help out, and I can be of some help, this’ll be my focus.”
In total, the organization has sent 52 ambulances, 8 fire engines, and 7 SUVs and trucks to the frontlines.
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