By now, you’ll all be aware of Russia’s ongoing, horrific war on Ukraine. Over the last few weeks, the situation has worsened, seeing nearly 4m Ukrainians fleeing their country while millions more stay behind. And it’s those who the world has come together to help. So we wanted to tell you a bit more about the Devon Ukraine Support Fund and its efforts to send urgent aid to those who need it most.

Not-for-profit aid

Like many of you, we sat in disbelief as events in Ukraine unfolded. As the days went on we saw images of Russia’s prolonged attacks and the devastation that followed. Fortunately, western Europe, and the rest of the world, came together to kickstart a massive humanitarian aid effort to get urgent supplies to the people in Ukraine.

Recognising that thousands of people across Devon and Cornwall were feeling helpless about the situation, just like we were. That’s when, in early March, a small group came together to create the Devon Ukraine Support Fund (DUSF).

Made up of different groups and organisations – with support from various local charity groups including the Lady Kingsmans of which our own PAS Group Director, Louise, is Chair, the Kingsmans, Devon Round Table and 41 Club– and local businesses working together, the DUSF is a not-for-profit organisation with a shared vision: to collect items that are urgently needed and deliver them to the Polish border with Ukraine.

A tireless volunteer effort

What was initially intended to be a 2-week venture has now grown from four friends and a van to five vans, 15 drivers, and over 100 volunteers and looks set to last into the foreseeable future. So far, the DUSF has been inundated with generous donations from people from all over Devon and Cornwall, either being collected by our team or dropped off at the donation centre in Burrington Way Industrial Estate.

Taking it from there, the amazing volunteers have worked tirelessly to sort, box, and package every donation, before loading it all onto pallets with the correct documentation to be loaded onto lorries from Gregory’s Distribution. Once ready to go, it will all head east, across mainland Europe, to the Polish border, ready for a Ukrainian charity to process and distribute locally.

DUSF still needs your help

And at the time of writing, our third and fourth lorries are getting ready to go and we’re working on filling lorry number five. An amazing effort by everyone involved. But beyond what has already been generously donated, the fund is still in urgent need of many physical items, as well as charity cash donations to help fund transportation and to buy specific items. 

To see the latest updates on the donations list and what you can donate, to make a cash donation, and to get the whole story of how the DUSF came together and what they’re doing, visit the DUSF Facebook page today.

But even though Louise is working her socks off with the DUSF, it doesn’t mean Plymouth Aerials are downing tools or slowing down. We’re still open and available to help homes and businesses with any of your TV and satellite or aerial system services, repairs, and installations. 

So when you need us, call us on 01752 296 781, email us at info@plymouthaerials.com or send a message through our contact page today and we can arrange a site visit for you.