QSOs for Ukraine

This is not going to be a long-winded post, so I will get right to the point.

Amateur radio operators are known to be generous with their time and resources. In times of national emergency “hams” are a vital link in establishing emergency communications. Hams can be found providing communication support for events like charity walks, marathons, and major social gatherings.

I am sure you have seen the graphic pictures and videos of the suffering the Ukrainian people are enduring due to the Russian invasion of their sovereign nation. I am not calling on people of good will to involve themselves in the fighting, but I want to provide an opportunity to contribute in a tangible way to relieve some of that suffering.

On Saturday, March 19th, 2022, I am going perform an all-day Parks-on-the-Air activation at Lake Louisa State Park, K-1893. I am asking any interested individuals to donate funds based on the number of QSOs I make. For instance, if I make 300 QSOs and you donate $0.10 per QSO, that comes out to $30.00. You can donate more or less depending on your ability. All of the money that is raised will be used to help the people of Ukraine. In order to make this possible, I have chosen to partner with the Samaritan’s Purse.

Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian relief organization that is run by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Franklin Graham is the son of the late Rev. Billy Graham. Samaritan’s Purse provides medical care, food, debris removal, and counseling in response to national disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. When the COVID-19 pandemic was ravaging New York City in 2020, Samaritan’s Purse opened a fully staffed mobile field hospital in Central Park. That same field hospital has been deployed to Ukraine on March 4th, 2022. While Samaritan’s Purse is a faith-based organization, it provides its services without any precondition on the part of the individual’s receiving its services.

How can you donate? Go the team website below and become part of team for the QSOs for Ukraine campaign. You will be able post messages to other team members. You will also be able to track how much money has been raised through QSOs for Ukraine. Starting at 1300 UTC I will begin my activation. I will operate on SSB and CW. I will post any frequency or mode changes on the POTA spotting page. I will be logging all QSOs on HAMRS. When the activation is done I will post the log here on my website. I will also make a video of part of the activation and put it on my YouTube channel. Once the total count of QSOs is compiled, you can go to the QSOs for Ukraine team page and make your donation.

Clink on this link to be taken to the QSOs for Ukraine campaign website: QSOs for Ukraine

If you are in the Central Florida area and want to be part of the action, I will be in the equestrian area at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, FL. Fellow hams are more than welcome.

I hope you are able to help. Both your prayers and generous donations will go far. I am looking forward to having a QSO with you on March 19th.

73 and God bless you.

Bill – K4NYM