We have recently returned from Przemysl which is a town close to the Polish - Ukraine border. We were there to deliver 3 vans full of donated aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Aid to Ukraine 6-8th March - Mick Balch Michal Ausbosky, Jack Fuge, Brian Wood MC, Matt Trace, Steve Kew + Claudia 👍

During our journey it soon became apparent that shipping out bags of donated items from the UK whist useful in the main was not really very efficient and that the aid stations were and are being over run with donations, some of the masses of aid, especially clothes will never be used, will become waste and a problem for the local authorities.

During the trip I met Claudia, a 21 year old Spanish student, studying in Southampton, she has family in Ukraine and had been over to help. We actually gave her a lift back in our van to Hampshire

It was during this trip home that it was decided we would return to Poland but with a much more simple and efficient plan.

So, those involved with our group will pay for their own flights to Poland and share the costs of a hired van. We intend to use all the raised funds to purchase what is required from local merchants and deliver this direct to those in need.

This is a far better, more fuel effecient method of getting aid to those that need it, with zero waste produced by unwanted stockpiles.

If you would like to help again, or would like to donate for the first time, please give what you can. I will promise you that all the funds raised will benefit those affected by this crisis.

Thank you.

Mick Balch.

Aid to Ukraine.