‘I’m stepping up’: Colwood resident looking to match donations for new school bus project in Ukraine

A Vancouver Island humanitarian group getting help to purchase a third school bus for students in war-torn Ukraine.

A Vancouver Island humanitarian group is planning to return to war-torn Ukraine next month to deliver much needed aid to the people of that country.

It will be the fourth trip for the team, which has partnered with five communities in the west of Ukraine, along with two separate hospitals.

Last summer, the team from Vancouver Island Supports Ukraine was sent a short video from students in Olyka, Ukraine, requesting a new school bus for their community.

When the war broke out nearly four years ago, school buses from communities throughout Ukraine were sent to the frontlines of the war for troop transportation.

Last year the team partnered with the City of Colwood, which resulted in that community raising enough funds to purchase a bus that has had a huge impact on students in Olyka. With this latest request, the team has partnered once again with the western community.

“I’m pleased to announce that we have successfully raised all the money that was required to purchase the used school bus,” said Bob Beckett, a volunteer with Vancouver Island Supports Ukraine.

But that’s not all. The team also received a surprise call from Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.

“Doug said, ‘Are you sitting down? Because we’ve got a Colwood resident who is prepared to assist in purchasing a second bus,’” said Beckett.

That potential donor is Ron Aubrey. His family has a long history in Colwood, going back to it’s inception.

“I’m stepping up,” said Aubrey.

Aubrey told CTV News he is willing to match donations up to $20,000 for another bus for a different community in the north of Ukraine.

At first, he wasn’t sure what the bus was intended for – but once he found out it was to transport children to a school that has a bomb shelter, he didn’t think twice.

“It even makes it more important,” said Aubrey, as he was choking back tears.

Aubrey has been working closely with Kobayashi on a project to clean up and put a little known piece of Colwood’s history on the map, called Pioneer Cemetery.

“This is a project that we would like to help Colwood move forward with,” said Aubrey.

New fencing and signage has already been erected. For Aubrey, it is another community project he cares deeply about, just like helping his community’s effort to help those students in Ukraine.

“We hope we come out with a win-win for both parties,” said Aubrey.

Feb. 24 will be the fourth anniversary of the war.

“I don’t know how much longer (the Ukrainian people) can hold out emotionally, mentally and of course physically,” said Beckett.

In March, Beckett will be returning to Ukraine with fellow team member Bruce Brown. The pair are currently preparing all the aid that will come along with them on the trip. Before then, they hope to raise enough funds with the help of Aubrey’s matching donation to purchase another school bus for the children of Ukraine while in that country.

“My philosophy in life is if I can help one person in my life time, then it’s been worth while being here,” said Aubrey. “I’m just helping.”

Donations can be made in person at Colwood City Hall, the Langford Fire department or online at the Vancouver Island Supports Ukraine website.