Local Residents Support, to Visit Ukraine

Members of Liberty Ukraine along with Dr. Richard Godfrey, William and Kelly Smyth, Ken Tatum of Castro Valley and Michelle Ellison of Oakland.

A successful fundraiser was held at the Castro Valley home of William and Kelly Smyth this last week to support humanitarian and medical efforts in Ukraine.   Over 70 local residents showed up to support the work of the Ukraine Liberty, local Rotary clubs and other non-profit organizations.

Now William Smyth, of Castro Valley, and Dr. Richard Godfrey, M.D, fly to Ukraine to personally assist and deliver donated medical supplies, equipment and medications to those affected by the war.  After a 15-hour flight to Poland, they will take a train to Kyiv and possibly then to Kharkiv.  Such medications and supplies have been generously donated by the San Leandro Surgery Center, Highland Hospital, local hospitals and various medical companies.  In addition, William’s wife Kelly, a local elementary school teacher, will be sending over hundreds of handmade cards by local school children to children in the war zones.

It will soon be winter in Ukraine and both sides are trying to gain as much territory as possible.  This makes the situation even more dangerous for Mr. Smyth and Dr. Godfrey.  Dr. Godfrey is a retired general surgeon and Mr. Smyth is trained to work in operating rooms.  However, they both plan to do as much as possible to deliver supplies and work in medical situations requiring their expertise.