Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:Bill.... I just .... wow. You're a berkeleying saint.
You guys give me too much credit. Without all of you, there'd be no me and I really do thank you all for being the foundation of all of this.
Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:Bill.... I just .... wow. You're a berkeleying saint.
You guys give me too much credit. Without all of you, there'd be no me and I really do thank you all for being the foundation of all of this.
VikkiD said:In reply to Венгрия Билл (сторонник форума) , :
Bill you all are so amazing people!!! you're doing such good things!!!
it's a little difficult for me to express all my thoughts, but i'm trying .
see you for sure. I will follow the thread
Hey, it's so great to see you back on here!
Yesterday, seeing you comment on our thread was such a great source of motivation for me. If you know of a place where we can offer assistance, or if you have direct knowledge of someone with a need please don't hesitate to let us know. No job is too big.
We all see what is happening, we're all here, and we're all trying to help any way we can.
Hey Bill, thanks for not making us buy weird stuff in order to donate
Mr_Asa said:Hey Bill, thanks for not making us buy weird stuff in order to donate
I.... I dont know what to say about those 
Hey everyone, regarding the generator:
It appears the Hungarian government is stepping in and may be doing the correct job of what we were going to attempt to Band-Aid.
https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-helping-maintain-water-supply-in-transcarpathia-ukraine
With that assistance in place, and to such a great degree, I would like to re-direct the donated funds from the generator effort to our guests in Kisgorbo as I think they are still in the greatest need at this time.
Sorry for any confusion, this is proving to be a very dynamic environment and I promise to do my best to keep on top of it.
Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) said:Hey everyone, regarding the generator:
It appears the Hungarian government is stepping in and may be doing the correct job of what we were going to attempt to Band-Aid.
https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-helping-maintain-water-supply-in-transcarpathia-ukraine
With that assistance in place, and to such a great degree, I would like to re-direct the donated funds from the generator effort to our guests in Kisgorbo as I think they are still in the greatest need at this time.
Sorry for any confusion, this is proving to be a very dynamic environment and I promise to do my best to keep on top of it.
I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we gave you those funds to help on the ground with this crisis in whatever way you deem most appropriate. This whole situation is moving fast, and that's exactly why we trust you with this rather than large charities.
In reply to VikkiD :
Absolutely! Please share!
tuna55 said:Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) said:Hey everyone, regarding the generator:
It appears the Hungarian government is stepping in and may be doing the correct job of what we were going to attempt to Band-Aid.
https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-helping-maintain-water-supply-in-transcarpathia-ukraine
With that assistance in place, and to such a great degree, I would like to re-direct the donated funds from the generator effort to our guests in Kisgorbo as I think they are still in the greatest need at this time.
Sorry for any confusion, this is proving to be a very dynamic environment and I promise to do my best to keep on top of it.I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we gave you those funds to help on the ground with this crisis in whatever way you deem most appropriate. This whole situation is moving fast, and that's exactly why we trust you with this rather than large charities.
"Large Charity" is exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. I'm accountable to you all for the money you donate. If you see something, say something and I'll make it right.
This place is so awesome. Hopefully I did the Paypal thing correctly :)
In reply to VikkiD :
Thanks for sharing and working for humanity, Vikki! Please do not worry about your english. It's a silly language, and you are communicating just fine.
In reply to VikkiD :
Agreed on the English, no need to worry about it. We understand you perfectly. It's good to have you aboard!
In reply to Dof Fip:
Got it sir! Your transaction was successful, thank you!!
In reply to Everyone:
Apologies for slacking. Monday's delivery to Budapest was an 8am to 3pm affair and I had a shift that ended around midnight afterwards. I guess it takes me more time to recover than it did 20-years ago 
I took Tuesday and Wednesday off from deliveries and donations, but it caught back up with me today. First I got word that the donation table at the Pannonia Reformative Church in town was empty. They've been collecting and distributing donations, mostly locally, so I went there first:
Their table ain't empty no more. All food items this time, but I sent out word to our local FB group so other people should be dropping off more stuff soon.
Next up, I had some stickers arrive. I ordered these a couple weeks ago when I heard a Ukrainian Grandmother say the most bad ass quote I wish I never had to hear (it's the one about how the Russians should all put sunflower seeds in their pockets so something pretty will grow when they... well, you know).
The proceeds of the sale of these were supposed to go to Ukrainian refugees, but how much of the profits and to which organizations they go to, I cant say. I just liked the sentiment, and wanted to show my support to anyone who might notice it. I also added GRM stickers, if you guys hadn't noticed. I figure you're funding this, you deserve the credit
After that, I got word that a new family arrived in Papa! The children have requested coloring books, and I just happen to have more than a couple boxes of art supplies, kids toys, and kids clothes! So tomorrow that will be my mission: "Christmas in March". My plan is to load the truck up and let those kids grab whatever their hearts desire (shoot. I need to grab another soccer ball!). Also needed were some basic cleaning supplies. An American named "Carrie" will be picking those up tonight, and I'll be delivering them on her behalf.
Tomorrow I'll report in on how that all went. I'll admit to being more than a little bit excited.
And speaking of families, a local American family took in 3-Ukrainian students. I'm not sure if I mentioned these guys or not, but it took them 4-days to cross the border on foot. One (Edison) was studying medicine for 5 years and had his school shelled the day after he left. He wasn't sure if there were going to be any records of his grades after that. Well, two of those students (Edison and Anna) have just been accepted to continue their university studies in Budapest! They'll be leaving their host family, but we're all super stoked that this is working out for them. The American family is now on the hunt to host more people and are registered with a group that helps pair up such things.
It's still no over, but I do like it when I can end things on a positive note.
In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
I was going to ask specifically about soccer balls and air pumps. Can you get them easily over there? I wanted to send some but shipping would be tricky. Would you accept a cash donation specifically for soccer balls and pumps or would that be too much of a PITA? (I know you're already busting your ass over there).
One kid can play with a toy at any given moment, but a bunch can play at the same time with a soccer ball.
Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to Everyone:
Apologies for slacking.
Yeah, that's what we call the thing you're doing here, slacking.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
I was going to ask specifically about soccer balls and air pumps. Can you get them easily over there? I wanted to send some but shipping would be tricky. Would you accept a cash donation specifically for soccer balls and pumps or would that be too much of a PITA? (I know you're already busting your ass over there).
One kid can play with a toy at any given moment, but a bunch can play at the same time with a soccer ball.
I absolutely and 100% can get them super easy, and do not mind one bit. To give you an idea of our current kid situation now:
Locally, we have 3 families in our local building. About 7 or 8 kids in all, mostly girls and they range in age from about 5 to 11 years old.
Semi-Locally, a friend named "Brigitt" has 11 people living in her house (they have a summer home near here). There are two small kids.
Mayor Kosma is housing 21 people in Kisgorbo and the last report stated that 7 of those are children (unknown age and gender). He will be expecting approximately 24 more people at an unknown time.
We are still being told to expect 60 people locally but have zero in the way of details as to where they will go, or the expected demographics.
Also a possibility would be the ability for me to keep a stock on hand and one or two in the truck. I could distribute at a moments notice should the need ever arise.
Cheers!
In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
I've sent some Huffin' soccer balls your way.
Hopefully one day, these kids will regroup and kick Russia's ass in the World Cup.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
I've sent some Huffin' soccer balls your way.
Hopefully one day, these kids will regroup and kick Russia's ass in the World Cup.
Got it sir, thank you! Will go on shopping spree and spend all your money as soon as I can
As promised, I brought the Toy truck (Toy-Yota pun intended), and told the kids they could take anything they wanted:
When I pulled up there was one or two kids playing outside. I dropped the tailgate asked them to get the rest of the kids, and I think about 5 in total showed up. First to hit the truck was a young boy (7 or 8?) and I told him he could grab what he wanted. He grabbed that box with the two red fire-hats and pulled it towards him with that mischievous look like "can I?". Big grin and a nod "yes" and off he went. All the others followed suit and grabbed whole boxes (cars, dolls, balls, puzzles, art supplies, and since the weather was nice I had that plastic table and chairs that I thought they could set up outside). They took it all in the building and were coming back out with one or two of their parents. We all said "thanks" and "your welcome" and "goodbye" and I got back in the truck only to realize I forgot the soccer ball! (Futbol)
I popped back out of the driver's side and tossed it to the mom closest to me, who then gave it to her son (taller boy, maybe 11 or 12?) and just like that all the kids were running back outside and headed off to somewhere to kick the ball around.
I hope they're still out there enjoying this warm weather we've been having. It's the perfect day to be outside (sunny, calm, and easily 60-degrees). Either way, they should have enough new stuff in those boxes to keep them entertained for a bit.
On the way home I stopped by a mom and pop sports shop and spent about 2/3 of Woody's cold hard cash on a soccer ball order. On Monday I'll be picking up 10 more soccer balls to refresh my stash and get our GRM futbol delivery service started (I've got another place in mind to pick up air pumps). So if you see a Ukrainian/Hungarian soccer team form in say.... 10 or 12 years? Then we'll know it all started here 
Thanks everyone!
Oh shoot, I almost forgot! Transfer complete!
GRM raised 432,161 Hungarian Forint, or about $1270.00USD for the Kisgorbo shelter this month!!! The transfer was initiated last night, and I sent a short e-mail to go with it. Both should be hitting Mayor Kozma's inbox about now. I'll keep you all posted with any updates.
Cheers guys!
Y'all rule. Very much so.
Guys,
You've received a letter from the Mayor of Kisgorbo:
Mayor Kozma Said:
Dear Bill,
We are grateful for your continuous attention and support. This means a lot for us and boost me and our volunteers a lot. Now we see that, this is crucial for us on the long run. Unfortunately, the Hungarian Government reacts slowly, concerning municipal shelters.
A new law was announced recently, that surprisingly, does not support volunteers and families accepting refuges, only if they were appointed officially. Now we are not entitled for this support, but our main goal is now to make our status official and get this additional support from the government. As of today, we have 21 refugees, by this Sunday we are excepting four additional.
In the meantime, some new requirements become important. There is a need to separate the large rooms to provide more intimacy and separation for families. It is not ideal to keep three foreign families, mixed-age, and gender in one big room with eight beds. We see that now; they are here for long term and not only for days unfortunately. Therefore, the three main rooms will be divided one by one, so we will have six - seven smaller, three four-bed rooms. We also managed to purchase floor mats for four smaller rooms. We also needed an electrician to improve some areas of the building electrical supply.
I'm going to make the kitchenet more effective and increase its storage capacity. We just bought and installed top cabinets because we wanted to make more space for supply. To make inhabitants somewhat more independent, we need to make some dry food, supply, and ingredients available for them at the kitchenet.
Another demanding area is to find job for these people. Unfortunately, we could not find any local volunteer to coordinate this area yet. On the other hand, on Tuesdays and Saturdays we are visited by local recruiters accompanied by translators. This requires serious organization from our side, and we believe it will be beneficial at one point for the entire community.
We also organize thematic programs for adults and children as well. We would also like to teach them Hungarian language for one-two hours on daily basis.
Finally, I need to emphasize that, the support from the community of Grassroots Motorsports let us dream greater, and we achieved more than we expected. As a result, we made the life of the refuges at Kisgörbő more comfortable. Please pass our greetings to this awesome team. That would be great to have a beer with them one day.
Thank you for helping us in this project!
Gábor Kozma, mayor
That made me smile large after a long week.
Thanks Hungary Bill!
Hi, guys!!! It's Vikki 
i don't understand what's happened - all my posts and my profile were deleted 
i'm very upset for that - i'm a really person, i'm living in Ukraine right now
Everythig what's i told and wrote are really thruth
And i'm really thankful all these people who helps my country and ukrainian people
And i'm thankful Hungary Bill for all that he's doing - all good things
I came here with peace and love in my heart
Hello, it's really me - very nice to meet you all
Oh, my English is getting better and better with you!!!
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