Dear Family and Friends,
As you well know, a massive humanitarian crisis exists, and is growing, in Ukraine as a result of the unprovoked actions of an autocratic madman. We all have seen and read of the wanton vicious missile attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential neighborhoods and the rape of hundreds of Ukranian women. Bystanders have recorded the horrific shooting of innocent civilians. Jan and I have decided we want to do something more than just donate and watch from the sidelines. We want to share our plans with you and hope you will support the struggle of the courageous Ukrainians who, by their actions and sacrifices, are showing us what it means to fight for democracy.
Civilian SUVs, trucks and ambulances are playing a vital role in the humanitarian and military effort in Ukraine. They are being used to transport troops, stage supplies, deliver medicine and equipment, and rescue and treat the injured. The vehicles are also being used by frontline units. Vehicles are in short supply and urgently needed. We have learned of a group that purchases used SUVs, trucks and ambulances in England and fills them with medicine, bandages, blankets, night vision scopes, boots and other supplies needed by the troops on the ground. The trucks are then driven from London to either the Polish/Ukranian border or Western Ukraine and delivered directly to frontline soldiers who drive them East to deliver the medical supplies and re-enter combat operations. To date, 126 vehicles have been purchased and delivered to Ukraine since the war began in late February.
So this is our plan—-Jan and I are going to London in mid-September. We are purchasing an ambulance (right hand drive and stick shift!) filled with humanitarian and military supplies (no weapons). We intend to drive the vehicle across Europe and deliver it, along with the supplies, to a Ukranian army unit at the Polish/Ukranian border to assist in their defense of Ukraine and to aid the Ukranian people.
Although we are personally paying for our vehicle, supplies and all transportation, we want to raise funds to defray the expenses that many others who want to similarly help will incur. We can help the lives of many distraught Ukrainian soldiers and civilians and we hope you will support us in our efforts.
