In support of Ukrainians

Watching the heart-breaking scenes of the attack on Ukraine unfold makes us feel quite helpless here in the UK. Yet, one small gesture we can make is to address a basic need and contribute to food aid efforts.

Thousands of Ukrainians have fled their country to find a safe place with sympathetic neighbouring countries, many are at the border with Poland where donations of everyday items, from clothing to toiletries and food are being donated – our great friends at Oakland, the supply chain specialists, have organised a food relief effort in which we can show our support for those in need.

A plea for food from suppliers across the industry to aid people who’ve had to flee from Ukraine has been issued by Dean Atwell, Chief Executive, Oakland International Ltd: “We have today issued a call for support from the UK and Ireland food sector to assist our European friends so badly affected by the invasion of Ukraine. “Oakland is prepared to fund up to 50 trucks and drivers to take essential food items to the Eastern border of Poland and possibly into Ukraine if we can get through.

“We are involved in a sector which is famous for responding fast and achieving impossible targets – I am hoping that we can all publicise this request for support and rally together to get all 50 trucks dispatched between Wednesday and Friday this week.”

Charles Coleman, Sales Director, The Sausage Man UK Ltd: “When the call went out from Oakland for food donations for the people of Ukraine, we were very keen to support this initiative. I’m proud to say that we will be sending seven pallets of produce from The Sausage Man, including a selection of German style Beef and Turkey Burgers, Krakauer Bacon Frankfurters, and to accompany these, Baguettes and a range of mustard, mayonnaise, and burger sauces. We wish Oakland every success with the safe delivery of this aid and urge any other food suppliers to donate to this great cause.”

If anyone else is able to support with offers of full pallets or full trucks of food, please email ukraine@oakland-international.com

Update as at 23 3 22

OAKLAND International have launched a Just Giving page for donations to pay for fuel to take aid out to Ukraine.

Dean Attwell, Sam’s father, is chief executive of Oakland International. He said: “To get this started, we agreed to fully fund up to 50 truck loads of delivery costs and handling.

“We have now completed this target and I have personally been and visited the warehouses being used for the distribution of goods from the Polish-Ukraine borders into Ukraine. We know that the aid being transported is getting to where it is needed.

“People are asking us ‘How can I help?’

“We think the most effective way to provide immediate support is to help us fund another 50 truck loads of stock which will be delivered over the next two weeks.

“We already have nine more loads of essential food items kindly donated by Asda which need to be transported next week which we will need to fund. Another 6 loads are being planned from other donation centres and food and medical providers.

“It costs around £2,000 to send a full articulated lorry over to the Eastern border warehouses in Poland.

“We can absolutely guarantee that all funds raised will be used for this essential work.

“If we get a response to this appeal and have more than is required for transport, we will use the funds to contribute to the food box initiative which gives families a seven day supply per box.

“If there are any additional funds still left then 100 per cent of remaining cash will be transferred directly to support the children’s Lyviv .

“If you cannot donate cash but have goods you can offer, please consider emailing Ukraine@oakland-international.com – we have a list of requests which changes weekly and we can update.”

To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/transport-ukraine