The boss of a Somerset baby business is planning to drive to Poland to deliver aid to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Jeremy Minchin, joint managing director at Bridgwater-based Hippychick, has volunteered to drive the loaded van out next week.
Haulage company C&D South West will provide the dual-branded curtain-sided trailer and a full tank of fuel in order to get the urgent aid across to Europe.
One of Hippychick’s suppliers, myHummy, is based in Krakow and has offered to put the businessman up before he heads back to Somerset.
The two companies are supporting an initiative spearheaded by local resident Meg Hawkyard, who has already organised a huge collection of supplies for people in need. She is working with friend Faye Savage, an ex-pat who is based on the ground in Krakow, to supervise the distribution of the items.
The company is looking for donations of:
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Complete first aid kits, plasters, bandages, sudocream, burn relief gel, ibuprofen, paracetamol and Calpol for babies
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Camping mats
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Sleeping bags
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Warm blankets, but not duvets
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Thermal clothes and underwear of different sizes, both child and adult
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Hot water bottles
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Baby food and baby formula. breast pumps and sterilisers
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Nappies, various sizes
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Sanitary products for women
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Toothbrushes and toothpaste
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Wet wipes
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Batteries
C & D South West will be dropping the trailer at Hippychick on Thursday (March 10). Anyone who would like to donate items should leave them at the C&D South West depot in Chard (TA20 2BB).
Mrs Hawkyard, whose husband Craig will be accompanying Mr Minchin on the journey, has a number of contacts in Poland and has been sourcing supplies for displaced families
These are largely medical and she has contacts for purchasing at wholesale prices. To donate to her effort, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/transport-aid-to-ukrainian-borders.
