03/03/2022
We have been made aware of a local Barnstaple Businessman, Richard Easterbrook (Estrada Exports who imports and exports farm machinery as well as European logistics) who is calling on anyone who can help fill a 40ft trailer with supplies to send out to Poland and Ukraine next week. Prompted by a desire to help his wife’s family in Ukraine, Richard is planning to drive to Ukraine early next week with a lorry of donations and urgently needed medication. The 1300 mile journey is expected to take just under two days.
He is also planning on setting up an outdoor food kitchen for the people crossing the borders. His Ukrainian wife, Mariya, will help set up the kitchen and offer a translation service between Ukrainian/Russian/Polish and English languages. They will co-operate with other aid agencies in Ukraine to provide a food service and much needed aid support for the hundreds of people queuing on the roads out of Ukraine towards Poland as there are up to 50km long traffic jams.
They are raising money to cover the initial travelling expenses for the 1300 mile journey (fuel, ferry crossing and road tolls) estimated to use in excess 120 gallons of diesel (which is well over £1000 plus road tolls and ferry costs). Extra donations will go towards buying additional aid support needed.
You can help by either making a financial donation, or dropping items off to help fill the trailer.
If you would like to donate money to the cause please donate via Facebook at Help the Displaced Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine - https://www.facebook.com/donate/1024781864916265/
If you would like to donate supplies – they are need of:
-Torches, candles, lighters, batteries (in sealed packs)
-Shelter equipment
-Non-perishable foods
-Bottled water
-First aid kits – bandages, plasters, painkillers, antiseptic creams, burn gels, paracetamol, ibruprofen, aspirin, micropore tape, wet wipes etc
-Baby bottles (new only), nappies, wipes,
-Outdoor cooking equipment – camping stoves (without gas)
-Disposable cups/plates, thermal cups, can openers, flasks,
-Personal hygiene items, gloves, masks, toilet rolls, sanitary towels, adult nappies
Donations can be dropped at:
Bideford: Bideford College
Barnstaple: The Polish Shop Joy Street, North Devon Tyres Roundswell, Air Extreme, Nick -Sampson Pottington, Pilton Bluecoat School, -Smallridge Bros Agricultural engineers (East -Collabear, Tawstock, EX31 3JZ)
Holsworthy: Robert Cole JCB, Smallridge Bros Agricultural engineers
Ilfracombe: Swiss Cottage Café High Street
South Molton: North Devon Tyres
The closing date for dropping off donations is noon on Saturday (5 March 2022) as they need time to load the vehicle.