KIND-HEARTED volunteers, businesses and community groups have rallied together to send 36 lorries packed of vital supplies to Ukraine.
One of the lorries was packed with 24 small generators, purchased by British Equine Veterinary Association, and a pick-up truck which will be used to carry casualties from the frontline to field hospitals.
Another lorry was carrying a large hospital generator which was purchased by funds raised through the North Cotswold Rotary Club.
The initiative began in March 2022 by Polish-born Greg Staniek, the clinical director at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic in Lower Slaughter, and his wife Lorraine.
Their efforts have been backed by residents, the local trail hunting community and North Cotswold Rotary Club member.
Lorraine Staniek said: “Greg initially put out an appeal on the vet's Facebook page and donations came rolling in – it was quite overwhelming at first.
"Originally, when we started making these donations, we focused on items like pushchairs, baby equipment, food, toiletries, medicines, clothes, sleeping bags, blankets and those kinds of things.
“The community has really got behind us, and it’s grown into something I could never have imagined.
"There is a big team of us now who make this happen, and we will continue to keep doing what we can to provide essential items to the brave people of Ukraine.”
In addition to the deliveries from Bourton-on-the-Water, the team of volunteers have arranged for eight lorries full of aid to be sent from a warehouse in Poland.
Liz Wills, joint ex-master of the Heythrop Hunt, has also been integral to the group’s efforts.
She said: “We were inundated with offers of supplies and help from our trail hunting community, many of whom have joined us loading several of the lorries.
"The hospital generators we sent earlier this year were up to 10-feet-long and can cost from £10,000 to £30,000 each, in addition to the many smaller generators we send.
"That’s the kind of scale of the operation now – it’s massive and only possible through the incredibly generous donations from our community. "
The group is now accepting donations for the Christmas shoeboxes, which will bring some cheer to children and families who have been orphaned or bereaved during the conflict.
To donate to the Ukraine Christmas Appeal visit tinyurl.com/54s3d3d4
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