“Our personal contribution to the war effort”
20th July 2023
Volunteers from a Ukrainian charity recently attended the Kent County Show to demonstrate how ageing pickup trucks from British farms can be repurposed to support the Ukrainian Army.
Car for Ukraine sources pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs, adds armour and delivers them to the frontline, where they protect Ukrainian soldiers from shrapnel and evacuates those needing medical support.
Co-founders Ivan Oleksii and Nazar Kravchuk, and Richard Lofthouse, who previously donated a vehicle, attended the Kent County Show on 7-9th July. They presented an armoured door that held firm as a piece of debris and bullets failed to penetrate its protective shield.
The team also explained why cars are still essential at the frontline even after the Ukrainian army started receiving Challengers and Leopards.
“Pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs don’t have to be new and perfect. 10, 15 or 20 years old cars, after proper maintenance, can bring food and supplies, evacuate wounded and additionally protect warriors if a car gets shelled,” said Ivan.
Nearly 280 donated cars have served on the frontline to date.
The Car for Ukraine team spoke to a number of visitors, including those who have already supported the organisation – including the Barber family.
Judy and John Barber donated an old L200 that they personally took to Lviv. It served three weeks at the frontline and was shelled by a mortar – the armour prevented the mortar penetrating the vehicle, protecting the Ukrainian soldiers inside.
When the Barber family was asked what motivated them to donate their vehicle they said: “The world must stop Russian invasion. So donating and delivering a truck was our personal contribution to the war effort.”
To find out more, support a project financially or donate a car, visit www.car4ukraine.com or contact info@car4ukraine.com