Dnipro Kids are heading to Ukraine in April for their next visit, and are looking for supporters to donate any unwanted kids football shirts to take over to those in need.
In September 2005 Hibs’ fans made a UEFA Cup trip to the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk and after witnessing the conditions suffered by local orphans, a handful of supporters organised a charitable collection.
Within a few months the idea has snowballed and the well meaning Hibernian support has an official charity to its name. The charity is still going strong and in its first year the itraised around £16,000 in donations.
As well as purchasing items such as winter coats and boots it has also been used to purchase medical equipment and make repairs to the building where they live. It has also been used to purchase baby food, baby essentials and clothing for a Crisis Pregnancy Centre in the hope that helping mothers that are struggling to cope can prevent children from becoming orphans.
At the moment a number of supporters that pay a monthly amount of £10 to the Dnipro Appeal. This money has recently been used to pay for the medical treatment of a girl called Nastya that was suffering from spinal problems. Without the operation there is no doubt that her condition would have worsened and she would have found life in Ukraine very difficult as her handicap worsened and she may have found it difficult to find work.
It is hoped that a successful outcome to the operation will greatly improve her condition and give her a fighting chance in life.
Supporters are encouraged to hand in child football strips that are in good condition to the West Stand reception area of Easter Road stadium during regular office hours.
If you do not have any child strips you can also make a financial contribution through the Dnipro Kids website.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
