After COVID-19 & Ongoing War in Ukraine
FAIRS – Foundation for Amateur International Radio Service, Ltd. sends springtime greetings from our headquarters in Floyd, Virginia!
David & Gaynell are excited to be returning to Hamvention this year! This large gathering of amateur radio enthusiasts will be held May 19, 20, and 21, 2023 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. FAIRS will have memorabilia and collectibles from David and Gaynell’s prior trips to Russia and Ukraine which will be sold to raise funds for the FAIRS organization. This will include a large assortment of Ukrainian eggs purchased in the early 1990s. Please stop by booth 4207 to visit or purchase an item to help our efforts.
Dominica has opened up again following the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re very happy for our friends who live there. FAIRS continues to help with humanitarian aid, sending shipments on a regular basis. Items that are particularly needed are for caregivers of the elderly and ill: Depends undergarments, pads and bed pans, along with diabetic supplies. Funds have been given for student programs and teachers to assist in purchasing school supplies, and for crafting and activities for their students. A packet radio digipeater sent to Gilbert in Dominica helps to connect communications with various points on the island and surrounding islands.
In Ukraine, Victor Goncharsky US5WE utilizes a Raspberry Pi computer sent by FAIRS as a repeater controller. We send our FAIRS friends for distribution food supplies, over-the-counter medications and monetary donations to assist with heating and electric. Gaynell continues to communicate during times when they have electricity and access. It seems to bring them happiness to message with others who are outside of their area. They can hear what the weather is like here, what is going on in our world and it helps take their minds off their situation, even if for a short time. It is hard to imagine what the people are going through, and our thoughts and prayers are with them daily. Let’s all continue to hope that this situation will somehow be resolved quickly to avoid further destruction and loss.
Recently, a special FAIRS member gifted 150 pairs of shoes which were shipped to these embattled countries. Imagine the simple joy of having a pair of shoes when you need them. We want to THANK YOU for continuing to help us provide relief to people around the world. What you do does not go unnoticed and we are very thankful for each of you and your support of FAIRS.
For those interested in communicating with friends in the United States and other countries, we have a communication meeting three times per week on Zello, a communications app. The meetings are on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 am EST. Please feel free to join us!
FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur Intl. Radio Service, Ltd.)
P.O. Box 179 Floyd, VA 24091
540-745-2322