Pick-Ups for Peace, a group of farmers looking to provide support to Ukraine in the form of 4×4 vehicles, has announced that it has doubled its target from 100 vehicles to 200 vehicles in its search for farm machinery to donate to Ukraine.
The group announced its original target of 100 in March, but said that it became clear that “limitless numbers” of the vehicles are needed, and it is confident that it can reach the new target of 200.
45 vehicles have been delivered by the group over two trips and another 50 vehicles have been pledged to the cause.
The group’s original fundraising target of £100,000 has almost been reached, but it said that it will also be doubled to cover the cost of transporting the vehicles and bringing volunteer drivers back home.
Trips are planned monthly until at least June, the group said, with around 30 vehicles going in each convoy.
Vince Gillingham, the cofounder of Pick-ups for Peace, said farmers must do everything they 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,” he said.
“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.”
