Metro Detroit faith leaders, volunteers travel to Poland–Ukraine border to help war refugees

DETROIT – Fourteen million Ukrainians have now been displaced because of Vladimir Putin’s battle. That’s in keeping with the United Nations Refugee Chief, who referred to as it “The quickest largest displacement witnessed in many years.”

There’s a protracted winter forward for these refugees, and a few native religion leaders need these folks to know they’re not forgotten.

St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church of Grosse Pointe Park organized its sixth group of volunteers to journey to the Poland-Ukraine border.

Reverend Jim Holley, CEO of Jim Holley Worldwide Ministries, is one among seven folks heading to Poland Wednesday (Nov. 2) evening. He says he needed to go when the battle began however didn’t get the chance till now.

“I assumed it’s a very good time for someone like me with the Catholic Church to go in and allow them to know there’s someone right here that also cares and actually you’re not forgotten,” mentioned Holley. “So I believe that’s one of many causes that touched my coronary heart to do that proper now.”

The group isn’t going empty-handed, although, as, In simply a few weeks, they raised greater than $10,000 for Ukrainian refugees.

“What we need to do is take that cash and purchase coats, underwear, and footwear for the kids that’s there,” Holley mentioned.

They’re additionally taking paintings by Curtis Lewis titled “Let My Individuals Go.”

“We wish anybody that will get an opportunity to see the portray to acknowledge that someone cares,” mentioned Lewis.

It took Lewis two months to finish the piece as a part of his “Justice For All” gallery in Southfield. The thought is to get the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to signal the portray after which deliver it again to Metro Detroit.

“I need to public sale it off, and the proceeds will go to the kids of Ukraine,” Holley mentioned.

“To know that I’m ready to make use of my skills and that it’s appreciated and it may be a device to assist others around the globe, I believe, it’s very particular,” Lewis mentioned.

The group plans to remain in Poland for about two weeks.

Contact St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church of Grosse Pointe Park or Rev. Jim Holley Worldwide Ministries to seek out out extra in regards to the occasion and to donate or volunteer.