Monday March 14th

The fundraising total has almost doubled since last Thursday. Donations are still being taken though and will go towards helping the people of Ukraine.

The convoy with Justin Offland, Scott Jones, Robert Fielder and Keith Terry is on the way to Poland today.

UPDATE Thursday 10th March

Since we ran this story a couple of days ago the fundraising target has been smashed. The Just Giving page currently sits at a massive £2602, this has enabled the lads to borrow an extra van (with Keith Terry in the driving seat) to fill before they leave on Monday. It’s not too late to donate. All proceeds will go to giving direct aid to the Ukrainians in the refugee camps. Justin is overwhelmed with the help and support they’ve received in the last 48-hours. He told us the latest plans for the trip earlier today, “We’ve been in touch with the Vespa Club of Ukraine and they’re putting us in touch with the Vespa Club of Poland so we hope to meet up whilst we’re there. We’ll empty the vans at the camp, then fill them up again using the funds.” he went on to say “Then we’re going into Ukraine border and will drive to L’viv to help get some people out.” Items in the vans include dried foods, toiletries, children’s toys and games, clothing, hand warmers etc. and the Salvation Army has asked if they can drop a load more off today.

I’m sure we’ve all been affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The fact that it’s a country close enough for us to drive to makes it seem worse than other far off conflicts. The sight of tearful fathers waving children and wives off on the train as they return to fight, old ladies being helped out of demolished towns as missiles still rain down around them and young children being comforted as they stand in the bitter cold of winter. None of them knowing where they’ll sleep and if they’ll ever see their home, family, friends or even their homeland ever again.
Every little helps Thankfully many people are trying to do their bit to help, no matter how small it may seem. Collection points are being set up around the country (and in other countries), as are fundraising pages and events. Ordinary people are trying to make a difference to ease at least some of the suffering. People like scooter racer (Justin will be racing in BSSO Group 6 and 4E this season) and Lambretta rider, Justin Offland. Justin was so touched by the plight of these fellow Europeans that he’s decided to fill his van with essential items and along with fellow racer, Rob Fielder, he’ll be setting off to Poland and the Ukraine border next week to deliver it. He’s also trying to raise some cash to help towards his fuel. Any extra money will be used to fill the van with more urgently needed supplies. He also plans to use the money to visit a cash & carry/supermarket in Poland to fill the van again once he’s emptied the first load. The 1500-mile (one-way) journey to Przemyśl Poland should take around 24-hours (non-stop) according to Google but is likely to take longer, especially after trying to get through customs and into the EU with a van load of donated products. The pair are setting off on Monday.
Do your bit! Justin has set a £1000 target for his Just Giving page. All money raised will go towards the transport costs during the 3,000-mile round trip. Any extra cash will be used to buy more essentials to give to the relief effort whilst he’s there. You can donate directly to Just Giving here and you can also get in touch with Justin through Just Giving if you can offer anything he needs to fill the van before he leaves.
Updates to come We’ll follow this story as it unfolds and hopefully as Justin and Rob get there. We’ll also try and provide some info about the customs process for anybody else thinking of making the trip themselves.
Do your bit – please share this post! If you could all share this post on your own social media channels that would be great. Let’s make sure the Just Giving target gets smashed!