$200k worth of medical supplies shipped from Colorado Springs to Ukraine

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- More than $200,000 worth of medical supplies are being donated to Ukraine from a major healthcare system in Colorado Springs. UCHealth is teaming up with Project C.U.R.E, a Colorado-based nonprofit, to get the supplies overseas.

"We're sending isolation masks, surgical gowns, skin prep trays, face shields, those types of medical equipment," said Keith Bresciani, UCHealth Southern Colorado Inventory Manager.

On Tuesday, 17 pallets of medical supplies began their journey to Ukraine from Southern Colorado. The equipment from UCHealth is leftover supplies collected during the pandemic.

"We're trying to look for the items that we could provide, that we have a little bit of excess on, to support those people who are in need," said Bresciani.

While millions are fleeing the country — Project C.U.R.E is going against the current to get inside Ukraine. They say being able to cross the border right now is thanks to their past humanitarian work.

"It's only because we have relationships that we've built over these many years that we have the contacts that can get our supplies and relief into Ukraine," said Baret Walker, Executive Director of Denver’s Project C.U.R.E.

While the mission is anything but simple, the logistics are made easier by a common goal to help those in need.

"UCHealth is our part and what we can do to help in any way we can," said Bresciani. We can't be over there physically, but we can provide the support that is needed.”

“We feel really grateful and overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, and very excited to be part of the effort to serve Ukraine," said Walker.

Even if the invasion were to end tomorrow, Project C.U.R.E says they understand they'll be helping Ukraine recover for years to come.

"What it takes for project C.U.R.E. to work is medical donations like those from UCHealth, volunteers at our seven different warehouses across the country, including at our international headquarters in Denver, and donations that help us move this relief to where it's needed most," said Walker.

For more information on Project C.U.R.E. and how you can help, click here.