Saskatoon is helping out its sister city in Ukraine by donating $10,000 for humanitarian efforts. During City Council’s regular business meeting last week, council unanimously voted in favour of donating $10,000 to the Saskatoon firefighters’ union so supplies for humanitarian efforts can be purchased and delivered to Chernivtsi, Ukraine.

That city’s mayor penned three letters to Mayor Charlie Clark seeking assistance for humanitarian relief. Councillor Darren Hill pitched the motion to make the donation which was backed by Councillor David Kirton. He says there’s already been communication with those in the southwestern city in Ukraine.

“The firefighters have done some amazing things already, they’ve been in contact with the head of emergency services in Chernivtsi, who has provided them with a list of what is needed. Right now, they have, I think 57 pairs of firefighting pants and coats, 22 helmets, 25 balaclavas, they’re all repackaged and more is coming on the way.” said Kirton.

Over the course of the three letters, Chernivtsi’s mayor asked for items such as water tanks, diesel generators, sleeping bags and water purifiers along with food.

Councillor David Kirton was going to get in touch with firefighters in Edmonton last week to coordinate shipping details.

On a trip to Chernivtsi in 2008, Councillor Darren Hill learned about the relationship between Saskatoon and Chernivtsi.

“I met many people of Chernivtsi, toured numerous facilities  and met with a number of organizations. As a bit of a background to the relationship that exists, I had learned about the sister relationship established in 1991. I learned about the long-standing University of Saskatchewan and Chernivtsi National University cooperation agreement formed in 1977.”

Lighting, mats, sleeping bags and high-capacity tents were among some the items Chernivtsi is looking to acquire.