On the 14th of April, Acres Insurance will transport eight four-wheel drive vehicles as essential supplies to the Ukrainian front line and is calling for more donations and volunteers.
In October last year, director Nigel Wellings was involved in organising MOTs, repairs and insurance for six vehicles, as well as obtaining and delivering supplies. Now, Nigel and a team of volunteers will once again support those fighting in the war with Russia.
“Every nine minutes, evacuation of the wounded is attempted in Ukraine. The vehicles we donate are driven by volunteer medics and paramedics, humanitarian bomb disposal teams and combat teams to transport injured soldiers to receive medical attention,” Nigel said.
Many of those involved in the war come from farming backgrounds, meaning that rural communities have been particularly affected. Farmers are battling to grow and ship their crops, meaning many have been forced to scale down their activities.
“Ukraine’s agricultural sector is an important source of income for the many Ukrainians living in rural areas. The impact of the war has caused disruptions to value, supply chains and price volatility, causing detrimental issues to Ukraine’s agricultural economy,” Nigel explained.
“At Acres, we are an insurance broker specialising in providing farmers and rural businesses with independent insurance advice. Our mission to Ukraine aligns with our objectives of supporting those working in agriculture and rural areas.”
The convoy will be made up of Nigel, clients from Acres, friends and Driving Ukraine volunteers, carrying tyres, jackets, energy bars, energy drinks and blankets, all of which have been donated.
“The journey will entail a two-day drive across France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Poland, with the convoy set to arrive at the Polish-Ukraine border by 16 April. Following this, the last stretch of the journey will take them to Lviv in western Ukraine, where the trucks will be handed over to the workshop, ready to be resprayed before being distributed across the country,” said Nigel.
Acres is actively searching for further vehicle donations. Vehicles should be four-wheel drive and have a valid MOT, or be capable of passing an MOT without significant work. Volunteers are also needed to drive additional vehicles. For more information contact Nigel Wellings on 07850 611 576 or email him at nigel@acresinsurance.co.uk