Rotary Deliver Ambulances to Ukraine

Rotary Deliver Ambulances to Ukraine

Shortly before the second anniversary of the Russian invasion ​of Ukraine, UK Rotarian volunteer drivers made the 1,200-mile trip across Europe to deliver two ambulances and seven 4x4's, filled with humanitarian aid

Within days of arriving, the ambulances were handed over ​to medical extraction units to transport badly injured people away from the front ​line

Five 4x4s were purchased or ​donated by individuals in the UK and Ukraine. Two will be converted for rapid patient evacuation in areas ​of dangerous or harsh terrain

Photo: Tony Preston

Organiser Tony Preston was making his 30th, 20 hour journey to Ukraine

Tony is Service Project Chair for Ukraine Unity Rotary based ​in Lviv, and an honorary member of the Whitstable Rotary in Kent who undertake the administration

Tony said:
"The Ukraine aid project has been widely supported by Rotary ​across Great Britain and Ireland since inception and is a fine example of Rotary collaboration making these journeys successful

One driver from Hereford Elgar filled his ambulance with medical supplies; Chislehurst Rotary in London funded ​several sets of thermals and a defibrillator for a children's hospital; Royal Wootton Bassett Rotary in Wiltshire provided seven in-demand 2000w portable power stations, which are not cheap

One donation which stood out this time was 60 boxed pairs of  children's footwear which will be split among several orphanages"

"Sometimes, it's the simple items that can be so rewarding”

Tony may be contacted at:  acp57@icloud.com

Original article by the Editor in Rotary Digital