In the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” Kateryna Halkina, the newest member of The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) board, reached out to local businesses for help.
After fleeing Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022, Kateryna found herself in Swindon, eager to contribute to SHAP’s aid efforts.
With SHAP in need of a van to help it collect aid and with no funds to rent or buy one, Kateryna and her host Emma, another SHAP board member, wrote to over a dozen local businesses explaining SHAP’s work since the invasion and asking for a van.
Their plea was met with a swift and generous response from Duncan’s Self Drive, who within an hour or so after receiving the email offered a large rent-free van, fully insured and maintained for SHAP’s aid work.
Kateryna expressed her gratitude, saying, “The response from Duncan’s was simply amazing. Since arriving in Swindon earlier this year, I have been struck by the kindness and generosity of the local people and businesses.
“I am proud to be part of SHAP, which does so much great work to support my country and the many Ukrainians living in Swindon.”
Peter Simpson, the owner of Duncan’s Self Drive, said: “The team at Swindon has embraced the Ukrainian cause since the appalling invasion back in February 2022. We admire the aid work championed by SHAP and are only too delighted to help.”
While Duncan’s Self Drive has generously provided a van free of charge for now, SHAP is actively raising funds to purchase a vehicle.
This will enable them to gather and distribute aid throughout Swindon and the surrounding areas more effectively. So far, 1950 tonnes of aid have been sent to Ukraine, including 60 tonnes in the last 10 days.
Please lend your support at: JustGiving – SHAP Van Fundraising
