A group of UK farmers is looking for support in their mission to supply 4×4 vehicles to the front line in Ukraine.
The group, Pick-ups for Peace, recently delivered its first consignment of 22 4×4 vehicles to Lviv in western Ukraine, where they are being used to ferry injured and dead soldiers from the front line to hospitals.
The group plans to make monthly missions until June with the aim of sending at least 100 vehicles. It is calling for anyone who is willing to donate an old pick-up or other 4×4 vehicles, as well as money, to help reach this goal.
The farmers said donated vehicles can be up to 15 years old and have more than 100 miles on the clock as long as they have a Ministry of Transport (MOT) and good tyres.
It costs around £1,200 to transport each vehicle and provide accommodation and transport for the volunteer drivers back to the UK.
The group said volunteers on the most recent 4×4 delivery trip came from farming communities all around the UK, with participants ranging in age from 18-76.
The project is spearheaded by Vince Gillingham and Mark Laird, with Gillingham saying the 4×4 vehicles are crucial to Ukraine to get food and medicine to their troops.
“It is so inspiring to see the good in the people who have given their vehicles, time and money to this project. It gives you a lot of hope for the world to see an 18-year-old who has only just passed his test driving all the way to Ukraine,” he said.
“I know Ukraine well but for most of our travelling companions it was their first visit, and it was remarkable to see how strong the cultural connections were.
“Our Ukrainian contacts could not believe that the UK farming community would do this for them. I urge anyone who can donate a vehicle or money to help us buy vehicles and pay other expenses for these missions to get in touch.”
Laird said the vehicles the farming group sends to Ukraine are “saving lives” and Ukraine will take as many as the UK is willing to send.
“Ukraine is a farming nation, and many UK cereal producers have done well this year on the back of high grain prices and would like to give something back,” he said.
“I have worked in Ukraine for much of my professional life, and love the country and its extremely clever and friendly people.
“Please help us with this humanitarian gesture – anything that we can do to help as farmers is invaluable.”
Pick-ups for Peace are looking for at least 70 more 4×4 vehicles and drivers, as well as at least £70,000 to fund their transport to Ukraine.
