Vans packed with supplies for Ukraine

TWO vans packed with medical and personal supplies for the people of Ukraine set off from Newton Abbot today, Thursday.

Rotarians, businesses and local people have rallied to the Newton Abbot Rotary’s ‘Fill A Van’ for Ukraine appeal with more than £17,000 donated so far.

The man behind the Newton Abbot Appeal, Rotarian Nick Richards, said: ‘With just a few days to go before vans leave for Lublin, Poland, on Thursday, I am updating you on how the appeal has progressed since the issue of the first update on March 18.

‘Last week was even busier with Rotarians, businesses and individuals generously donating money or purchasing medical/personal hygiene items for the people of Ukraine.

‘To date, cash donations to the ‘Ukraine Appeal’ trust account amount to £17,499.83. We have been quick to spend these monies ordering much needed items which have been delivered to the warehouse at Sparkworld.

‘We have now packed 17,500 nappies, 78 First Aid kits and 238 flashlight torches.

‘One box contains thousands of water sterilizing tablets which we could not count. However, it weighs just over 14kg!

‘Our volunteer warehouse team have now packed, sealed and labelled box number 128.’

‘Yesterday, five cars from Plymouth Mayflower arrived stuffed full of medical and personal hygiene items. There is still more to be delivered from other groups and individuals.

‘Another van has been hired to ensure we take all the items packed in the warehouse.

‘Two large vans will now leave Sparkworld this Thursday morning. Myself and Phil Millichap, Past President of Rotary NA, will be driving the vehicles through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Poland to the destination warehouse in Lublin.

All transport, insurance, fuel, food and accommodation costs are being privately funded.

We are pelased to feature some photos showing the operation taking place in the warehouse.