Pick-ups for Peace (P4P) has announced that it has exceeded its target of delivering 100 4×4 cars to Ukraine. 104 vehicles, including two ambulances and a camper van, have now successfully been delivered to the Eastern front.
The charity marked the milestone at a dinner in Lviv for the most recent convoy’s drivers, who were joined by Ukrainian military and humanitarian strategists who confirmed how crucial the vehicles were for communities in and around the frontlines.
P4P has now set its sights on delivering another 100 vehicles and is scaling up operations to source 4×4 vehicles from all sectors and all corners of the UK.
P4P co-founder, Vince Gillingham, who has just completed his fourth mission to Ukraine in as many months, said: “Our original aim of sending 100 4x4s to Ukraine by June has been achieved ahead of schedule. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have donated vehicles and funds, and our drivers.
“Each convoy is getting bigger – there were 66 volunteers in the most recent one – and the momentum behind the charity is awe-inspiring. A dozen of the participants were under the age of 25 and had raised thousands of pounds each to donate and transport a vehicle. Others have given vehicles even though they will struggle to replace them.
“Our military contacts echo this gratitude, and the impact donated vehicles are having on Ukrainian communities and troops’ capacity at the front is clearly defined. Their message is sobering, however; they need our support for the long haul until Russia has gone and Ukraine is back on its feet.”
Mark Laird, another co-founder newly back from his fourth convoy to Ukraine, said: “It’s incredible to think that what started out as a conversation has grown into something so big. It’s not just vehicles we’re delivering: Russia wants to break the Ukrainians’ spirit, but every convoy brings morale as well, and we make a point of celebrating each consignment in Lviv with a dinner for the drivers and our Ukrainian friends.
“I have worked with hundreds of people in Lviv and every one of them is either fighting in this war or has family members and friends that are doing so. The Ukrainians are fighting this war on our behalf, and we are very fortunate that they are willing to do this.
“Now that we have charity status, we have a stronger platform on which to build, and we are looking to throw the net wide open to all sources of 4x4s. The UK’s farming and rural community are fundamental to this cause, and we are deeply grateful to all those who have funded us so far, as well as the 160 volunteers who have driven vehicles. We won’t give up. Russia wants us to get bored and back off, but we are doubling down.”
Those interested can donate to P4P by going to JustGiving. Vehicle donations must be less than 15 years old and need a valid MOT certificate and good tyres. The charity is also seeking supplies of quad bikes and dirt bikes, clothing, tarpaulins, spades, screen wash, diesel cans, jump leads, ratchet straps, spare fan belts, generators, tow slings, first aid kits, dry food goods, spare tyres, night vision equipment, spare batteries, old phones and cable ties of all sizes.