Specialist environmental services and equipment provider, MSIS has donated £1,000 to the Aberdeen City and Shire Link of the Chernobyl Children's Life Line.
This is a national charity which supports children from Belarus and the Ukraine who are still affected by the world's worst nuclear disaster. The charity has organised for ten children from the Gomel district of Belarus to spend three weeks in the North-east and they are currently enjoying a stay with families in the area.
It has been 29 years since an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine released large doses of radiation across Europe, however the devastating effects are still being felt across both countries – and will continue to do so for many decades to come.
Established in 1992, Chernobyl Children's Life Line supports communities affected by the disaster. While many children do not suffer from any particular illnesses, their general health and wellbeing is affected by the legacy of the radioactive material released into the environment. In effect, the population is living with a ticking health time bomb.
Part of the charity's work involves bringing children to the UK for three to four weeks every summer for a respite holiday. Ian McPherson, managing director of MSIS, who has been involved in this initiative as a host parent for over a year now, said:
“The tragedy of Chernobyl has not been confined to 1986. Those born and brought up in the region continue to pay the price for events which occurred almost 30 years ago.
“We wanted to do our bit to help children whose lives continue to be affected by the aftermath of the disaster. These respite holidays give the children an opportunity to do things that they may not be able to so freely back home. It’s so important to give these children a break and for some it’s the only holiday they may have.”
During their time in the Aberdeen area, the children stay with host families and enjoy healthier air and food while taking part in a full programme of outings and activities. Just three to four weeks away from home, eating clean food and breathing clean air can help to boost their immune systems.
Each child is also given vital health check-ups to help with any medical conditions caused by the environment in which they live.
David Henderson, Chairperson of the Aberdeen City & Shire Link said: “I would like to thank Ian for his help and generosity in supporting our initiative. As this visit draws to an end I am looking towards next year which is the 30th anniversary of the explosion at Chernobyl and I hope to be able to fund another visit to our area.”
If anyone is interested in assisting, either as a Host Parent or with funding they can contact chair.aberdeen@ccll.org.uk