The war won’t wait – more 4×4 vehicles needed in Ukraine
- That is the message from Pick-ups for Peace co-founder, Vincent Gillingham who, along with 34 farmers and other volunteers has just completed the second mission to Ukraine, providing another 23 4x4s to be used on the front line
The initiative’s founders originally set out to provide 100 vehicles, but it has become clear that limitless numbers are needed and – thanks to huge generosity of the British farming community and, increasingly other sectors – the group are confident enough that they can double that target to 200.
Forty-five vehicles have now been delivered over two trips and another 50 pledged. The original fundraising target of £100,000 has almost been reached but will also be doubled to cover the cost of transporting the vehicles and bringing volunteer drivers back home.
In addition to the generosity of private individuals and groups providing vehicles, donating funds and volunteering to drive the trucks to Ukraine, corporate donations have also been received from in the form of a quad bike and 10 generators from Springfield Properties, and four vehicles from Trinity Grain.
Trips are planned monthly until at least June, with around 30 vehicles in each convoy. April’s consignment will include two vans which are being converted into ambulances by paramedics at a Suffolk charity.
Vince Gillingham, Pick-ups for Peace co-founder, who has just returned from Lviv, delivering the second cohort of vehicles, said:
“The war won’t wait, and we must do everything we can to help our friends in Ukraine. Our contacts there are overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who have given time, money, vehicles and urgent supplies for us to transport to the west of the country, however, we are agonisingly motivated to double our original target of 100 vehicles because Ukraine will take as many vehicles as we can send.
“The pick-ups we’ve delivered have already and continue to save countless lives as they transport injured troops from the frontline and ferry generators and food to those who need them, including hospitals. The vehicles must drive extremely fast over rough ground and under constant bombardment. This is a humanitarian call. Please help.”
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