A special charity initiative will once again be organized in connection with Jukola: a compass collection for Ukraine. The aim is to collect unused but still functional compasses from orienteers and deliver them to the front, where there is currently an urgent need for them. In Ukraine, GPS signals are being jammed to counter air attacks. This means that even their own troops have to return to traditional navigation – using a map and compass.
– GPS doesn’t work reliably because Ukraine jams the signal itself to protect against air attacks. Troops on the move therefore have to navigate as before – without electronics, using only a map and compass, says Oleksandr Kratov.
The initiative is led by Oleksandr Kratov and Vili Väänänen, who see Jukola as a unique opportunity to do something concrete and asked Kotka-Jukola for support.
– Last year, we collected around 1,000 compasses at Jukola, which was an incredible demonstration of the strength of our community. I believe we have an excellent opportunity to collect even more now. The compasses will primarily go to units operating in the field and to those involved in rescue missions who do not yet have their own compass, and secondarily to new conscripts during their training phase, says Väänänen.
All kinds of compasses are welcome – even old and worn ones. A few air bubbles don’t matter. Donations can be made as individual items or in larger quantities, for example from schools, sports clubs, or hunting associations.
Compasses can be delivered during the Jukola weekend to the collection point located at the competition information point. The location is marked on the event area map.
If you are unable to attend, compasses can also be sent by post to the following address:
Väänänen Oy
Kulosaaren Puistotie 50, 00570 Helsinki
Together we can help. Map and compass are once again essential tools – we can provide one of them. Every compass can point the way to safety.