BRENHAM RESIDENT, FORMER MISS UKRAINE SHARE TESTIMONY OF UKRAINE RELIEF EFFORTS

  

A Brenham resident who recently returned from Ukraine after spending six weeks offering assistance during the Russian invasion spoke Thursday night at The Barnhill Center about his experiences.

Bill Rigsby discussed his efforts to deliver food and supplies to those in need, illustrated the war’s impact on a global scale, and shared personal stories about the people he has met.  Rigsby painted in sometimes grim detail the toll the conflict has taken, but also presented a message of hope.

Rigsby encouraged those in attendance to remember that people are more important than statistics.  He also said apathy is a dangerous resting place, and to never undervalue the small things.

 

Rigsby was joined by Lika Roman, former Miss Ukraine and a charity worker, who spoke on the war’s effects on Ukrainians.   She said she is proud to be able to contribute however she can.

 

In the six weeks Rigsby was in Ukraine, he delivered 42 tons of food, 2 tons of diapers and items for babies, 4-5 tons of clothing, 11 electric generators, 17 baby monitors, 500 tourniquets and $10,000 worth of hemostatic gauze.

Rigsby plans to go back to Ukraine in order to continue rescuing and moving people, delivering needed food and supplies, and building temporary housing.

Donations to support Rigsby’s initiative are being taken through Faith Mission’s Humanitarian Relief Fund.  Donations can be made at Brenham National Bank, Bank of Brenham or Citizens State Bank.