A pair of North Bay women have been given piece of a Russian warplane as a thank you from Ukraine for their efforts to raise money to support the country's war effort.
The Vest Project co-founders, Lori Burns and Cindie D’Agostino received the gift from the KOLO Charity Foundation. The organization supports Ukrainian citizens who have suffered "as a result of Russia's military aggression." As of today, the KOLO Charitable Foundation has evacuated more than 3,500 people, transferred 140 vehicles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Territorial Defense, and delivered more than 2,300 tons of humanitarian aid.
The piece of metal Burns and D'Agostino now have is from a Russian SU-34 fighter jet that was shot down in the Kyiv region on March 18 2022. The aircraft was intended by Russia to bombard residential areas with FAB-500 high-explosive bombs, the most powerful in their arsenal.
The wreckage of the fighter jet fell in the Buchansky district near the then occupied village of Buzova.
Burns and D’Agostino say they are desperate to raise more funds as the frontline defenders of Ukraine head into winter conditions without heat, running water and power supplies.
“The Vest Project is a platform to allow people who have not known what to do during this crisis, to give them a place to support the Ukrainian people,” explained D’Agostino to BayToday earlier this year.
“This project, in particular, is raising funds to buy protective gear, particularly vests that will be able to protect civilians who have been thrown into military duty in nothing but their street clothes, and we’re trying to get them outfitted so they stand a chance out there.”
See: Overwhelming support for The Vest Project launch
See: Local effort underway to provide protective vests for Ukrainian citizens
And: Local Ukrainian business leaders sending armoured vests home to help protect forces
The two have decided to put their piece of the Russian jet up for grabs to generate more funds to purchase much needed non-lethal equipment for the people of Ukraine.
If you interested in this unique gift call 705-471-3655 and make your best offer.
Since the war began The Vest Project has been able to purchase $85 000 worth of non-lethal protective gear such as vests, helmets, medical kits, night vision equipment and drones.
"This was only made possible by the generous citizens and volunteers from North Bay and surrounding areas, and of course the local media who have continuously supported Ukraine and The Vest Project," says a release.
