Inverness Rotary Club member on the road to deliver Jeep to Ukraine
A member of Inverness Rotary Club is driving to Ukraine to deliver a jeep in a bid to help those caught up in the conflict - with this weekend marking three years since the war started.
Simon Cole-Hamilton - who is on his way to Newcastle today - coordinated the club’s efforts to pay and source five FWD vehicles for use in or near the war zone in Ukraine working with charity Jeeps for Peace.
These are used for many purposes - such as delivering first aid, supply runs and moving people and food.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said he feels “very enthusiastic”.
“Just meeting up with the other drivers is great, they are a great bunch.
“I think we are going to have fun heading there - but most importantly, is good to be doing something to help the Ukranians, particularly at the moment. They must be feeling as all their friends are deserting them.
“Because of this I think this is a particularly good moment to have such a visible display of support. We want to show they have not been forgotten about and to show that there are still many who are on their side and trying to help them.”
This is the first time for him driving down to Lviv, where Jeeps for Peace will organise the handover to make sure the vehicles go where they are most needed.
“There are two organisation in Scotland that do these convoys alternating each other, and so far around 1000 vehicles have been sent from Scotland - without incidents, which is reassuring.
“Everyone is pretty calm - I am actually more concerned of a breakdown on the way there!”
Club president John Cuthbert added: “There are many different ways to help those caught up in the conflict in Ukraine – sourcing and funding these vehicles has been Rotary's contribution; recently with some help from Inner Wheel.
“Simon has done a terrific job finding them and making sure they are fit for the tough job out there” “we got a bit of shock when he volunteered to drive it there himself – let’s hope he has a good mechanic as his co-driver!”
