A 40-foot articulated lorry has departed Northern Ireland for Poland this morning (Friday) loaded with aid to support those fleeing from Ukraine.
Organised by a group of Northern Ireland manufacturing companies, the aid includes 30 washing machines, 30 fridges, 80 mattresses, a pallet of medical supplies, two pallets of food, a forklift and two generators.
The load will be delivered to Polish refuge centre along the border with Ukraine early next week on a lorry provided by Antrim-based Bell Transport.
Led by Toomebridge concrete specialists Macrete Ireland – which has matched donations through the company’s charity fund – the items have been donated by a range of businesses including Balmoral Furnishings, Carryduff Forklifts and KDM Cookstown.
Macrete Ireland director Richard Hogg is leading the mission on his second visit to the Ukrainian border, having delivered food and clothing to Ukrainian refugees just two weeks ago.
During that visit, he was able to pull together a list of needed items which he has since sourced for this second trip.
“We have all watched on horrified by the events unfolding each day in Ukraine, as innocent people flee their homes with virtually nothing,” Richard Hogg said. “Collectively a group of manufacturing businesses decided that we had to do something to support those who have had to escape the conflict in the most harrowing of circumstances.
“People and businesses have been very kind with donations and supplies, and we are thrilled to be able to be carrying essential supplies which will help thousands of people seeking peace and refuge from the violence. Items such as generators and mattresses will give people basics including sleep and electricity, which we take for granted, but some in a country not far away are currently without. A support worker on the border told me that they are so grateful for the kind donations of clothing, but now they need to wash these clothes to keep refugees clean and healthy, so we have sourced washing machines.
“Our hope is that this delivery of supplies will go someway in supporting those directly impacted, and the brave people who are on the Polish border providing essential support. It is a small token for those who are doing so much in the face of such atrocities.”
