The Victoria Hand Project team has returned from Ukraine after bringing 3D technology to create prostheses for Ukrainian amputees.
Team members kicked off their trip on June 14 and fit eight people with prosthetic arms and trained locals on how to produce them.
“It was a very powerful experience,” Victoria Hand Project CEO Michael Peirone said. “We worked with some soldiers who lost their arm in the war, and they were so grateful to receive a prosthetic device. I think there has been another nine people that have wanted to receive a prosthetic device since we got back.”
The project’s partners in Ukraine are now trained and equipped to produce prosthetic devices.
“They will be providing care to people that need it,” Peirone said. “They will build the hands, make the sockets and just do everything. We will continue to provide them with supplies and support. We’re very grateful to have such amazing partners in Ukraine. They have such a demand for prosthetic care right now.”
The team brought 3D-printers, 3D-printer filaments, computer systems and tools on the trip.
“We had 17 suitcases,” Peirone added. “People are seeking solutions and we’re able to help solve that.”
During the trip, the charity’s Hands for Ukraine campaign reached the $200,000 fundraising goal to set up and staff clinics in the country. The clinics will help the estimated 10,000 amputees resulting from the Russian invasion.
“It will just help more people as we continue to fundraise,” Peirone said. “We want to continue to begin to expand across the country a little more.”
Donations can be made to the campaign at victoriahandproject.com/ukraine.
At the 2023 Oak Bay Tea Party on June 4, Oak Bay residents and Mayor Kevin Murdoch raised $12,756.23 for the campaign, while Saanich residents and Mayor Dean Murdock raised $11,089.66. Murdock wore a prosthetic arm while rowing in the annual teacup challenge because Oak Bay raised more money for the campaign. Murdoch also won the race.
The Victoria Hand Project is based out of the University of Victoria’s engineering lab wing on the Saanich and Oak Bay border.
READ MORE: Oak Bay and Saanich mayors compete at Oak Bay Tea Party and support Hands for Ukraine
