Gravel for Good and you can help make a huge difference right now. Gravel for Good is our way of giving something back to the communities we work with locally…and one that is far away but dear to our hearts.
Our friend Dave Nonnemacher is doing good work. He’s been part of the Heck cycling events for years. He’s a DaMN finisher and a dedicated volunteer, too. We have traveled with Dave to see humanitarian work he is part of in Romania (our 2019 visit to Lupeni.) He’s part of New Horizons Foundation, USA. Right now, he is helping to coordinate a project to get solar powered lights to people in Ukraine. The story is simply amazing and beautiful and we are honored to be giving to this project. Here’s what Dave has to say about it:
04/2023
Lights for Ukraine-A Collaborative Effort
The Ray of Life (ROL) solar light unit is a five (5) lbs. self-contained device about the size of a cereal box. The product was developed by John Prusa, a refugee himself from communist Czechoslovakia in the mid-1970’s and Ruston Seaman, the executive director of New Vision Renewable Energy (NVRE), Philippi WV. NVRE is a faith-based Community Development organization serving in rural Appalachia for almost 40 years.
In mid-March 2023 I left for a 2-week trip to Moldova and Ukraine. One of the purposes for this trip was to deliver ten (10) Ray of Life solar light units to Ukraine. For God’s Children International (FGCI) staff were able to connect us with 3 different groups of Ukrainians to pass off the lights.
Is this something Ukrainians need and in reality, will utilize? Without question, pointedly spoken directly from Ukrainians, yes. These solar lights offer people living in basements, or living in village homes or city apartment blocks where the electric grid has been destroyed or compromised, the opportunity to have light and charge a cell phone. The battery, when fully charged will provide 6-10 hours of bright, LED light.
At an apartment in Odessa where we shared a meal with 12 Ukrainians, everyone there knew someone either living in a basement or living without electricity. This solar light application is needed even more in cities in eastern Ukraine and the villages all through the gray zone, as well as the combat zone. The collaborative partners involved have contacts willing and able to get these lights to people living in the gray zone.
10 ROL units were taken as a pilot effort, to see if the ROL unit and the application of it was needed and desired by Ukrainians. As stated previously, it is. The cost of each unit is $125.00 USD. The ordering of parts and the pre-assembly are done by New Vision in rural West Virginia, the final assembly will be arranged with NHF-USA and FGCI partners. The arrangements for transport to Ukraine and delivery in Ukraine will be handled by New Horizons Foundation-USA and FGCI.
The Ray of Life solar light unit was developed “for such a time as this”. This opportunity to provide light for families, schoolchildren, rural and urban applications, the elderly who are unable to leave Ukraine and many other people who have no electricity available is offered. Light brings hope, hope keeps people alive.
Thank you! Jeremy Kershaw
