MISSION LATVIA

Team needs toys, computers and a plumber for poor children

Sven and Glad Ljungholm from the Salvation Army Exeter are part of a mission to Latvia to distribute clothes and toys to poor children

TOYS, computers and a plumber are all being sought to help a Salvation Army mission trying to alleviate suffering for some of Eastern Europe's poorest people.

The former major at the Exeter Temple Corps, Glad Ljungholm and her husband Sven, a former officer, have organised the trip to Latvia this June to redecorate and renovate two properties which are used by poor women and children.

Members of Exeter's Salvation Army are helping the husband and wife team, who now live in Scotland since Glad, 47, was posted to Glasgow last year, by collecting items and volunteers will be driving from Exeter to Latvia in a van.

Sven, 66, said: "The average age of the children is six or seven and we're especially looking for small toys so we can fit as many in as possible, as well as computers and decorating equipment such as paint, brushes and plaster etc.

"We will be renovating and decorating properties in Seda and Sarkoni that are used for the benefit of children and families as a safe, warm, loving place where they can come and feel at home and worship God.

"In Seda all the men have left because there's no employment in the area so there's no income. They may send money back to their families but the women and children are very much dependent on us for food and recreation.

"The men that are left in Sarkoni are often alcoholics – when the Russians left years ago the village was abandoned and then designated as a place for alcoholics who were dumped there miles from anywhere.

"The Salvation Army has two flats there and a house. So rather than going home to their alcoholic parents and the abuse that comes with it, our major and his wife there have become like surrogate parents."

In addition to renovation work, volunteers will also be hosting parties, games and providing meals.

"We have a five-star chef from Glasgow with us who will be doing all the cooking," continued Sven, "And we also hope to have with us a hairdresser to help the ladies' self esteem."

Sven and Glad have led four mission trips to the region raising £6,000 for the provision of school meals, distributed 600 winter coats, 94 Salvation Army uniforms, hundreds of toys, tools and other equipment.

"They have no money over there whatsoever," Sven said. "We've had to fund a lot ourselves so financial help to make these trips possible is always greatly appreciated."

To pledge your support, call the Exeter Temple Corps on 01392 216553.