ROTARIANS across the South West have rallied to their Newton Abbot colleagues’ ‘Fill A Van’ for Ukraine appeal.
At the time of writing over £14,219 has been donated to purchase medical and personal hygiene items.
Rotarian Nick Richards who started the initiative and will be funding and driving the van himself over to the Polish/Ukraine border at the end of the month, will be accompanied by fellow Rotarian Phil Millichap.
Rotarians, businesses and individuals have responded to Rotary Newton Abbots request to FILL A VAN.
Rotarian Newton Abbot spokesman Martin Smith said: ‘Rotary Clubs across the South West have sent money to RC Newton in true Rotarian spirit, also many arranged delivery of various much needed items to the Sparkworld Warehouse at Heathfield.
Local sports clubs Dainton Park Golf Club and Newton Abbot Rugby Club are organising members to donate, local businesses and schools are donating a wide range of items.
A local businessman who wished to remain anonymous donated £2,500, equally generous was an elderly lady who visited a local budget shop 15 times as she could only buy two packs zof Paracetamol in one transaction.
Rotarian Nick Richards said: ‘I have been astounded with the response, time after time been told by donors they prefer to donate to Rotary because it can be trusted and they do not charge for any expenses or administration.’
He added: ‘I would like to thank Tom and Sean at Sparkworld for their invaluable support with the warehouse facilities and my wife Angie who is coordinating the volunteers.
‘Deliveries are coming in almost hourly, but still a bit away to filling it, should we have too much by next week we will simply hire another van.’
Martin Smith added: ‘We thought that the club and volunteer commitment to the covid vaccination centre marshalling for 13 months was outstanding, to have to respond so soon to another challenge is just what Rotary is all about.
‘Ukraine may be over 1,500 miles away but Rotarians have reacted quickly and efficiently to help those most in need.
Martin also said: ‘With the street collection of £4,387 last week and the online donations we are looking at a potential £20,000 response, which will be the largest club collection since our founding 100 years and ten days ago.’
Lostwithiel Rotary contributed £1,260.
l Check out the Rotary Newton Abbot’s website, LinkedIn and Facebook pages for details to donate money or items of equipment.