Our next trip is likely to be March 2025 . We would love to go sooner but the two main restraints as I type this (Oct 2024) will be the onset of winter conditions that make driving difficult and snow can as early as October. The other issue is money, we need to continually raise funds as we intend to keep making trips as long as needed and possible. The cost taking a vehicle out with two drivers getting them home is c£1000 to £1200 with the bulk of that being fuel and the ferry crossing. We also have to buy the ambulances and any other vehicles.
In September 2024 we secured another ambulance with the help of a interest free loan of £5,000. This was an excellent purchase as it had originally been up for sale at c£7,000 but with negotiation and the charitable generosity of the seller we had an offer that was too good to miss out on we secured a interest free loan from a couple of supporters, but we do have to pay them back.
Items we currently need for the next trip?
There is an ever changing need as to what is needed based on what has been donated and what we are asked to resource. The most needed items are currently:
Anything Medical including large waterproof plasters, painkillers including Babies and Children’s. Men’s, Women’s, Children’s and Babies hygiene items. Women’s sanitary items. Children and babies nappies and clothing.
How much do we need to raise?
If we can take 3 vehicles out we would expect our costs to be c£10,000 to £12,000. That covers the cost of buying the vehicles and is a changeable amount dependant on what we can get at a good price. This will be by far the largest part of the costs then there will be fuel, ferry, basic accommodation, and travel back.
How to donate and Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer then your donation can be uplifted by HMRC by 25% which will make a huge difference plus offset some of your tax liabilities – so a win win. all round.
If you would like to send money via faster payments then please email info@aid2ukraine.org and we will send you the bank details.
You can donate money to our Local Giving charity page at https://localgiving.org/appeal/Aid2Ukraine