Next week the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) will mark a significant milestone in its short existence as another truck, filled with 52 pallets of hygiene products, crosses into Ukraine. This delivery signifies the surpassing of 2,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid provided by SHAP.
To mark the occasion SHAP welcomed a special delegation from Ukraine, including Serhii Lina, Alex, and Lana from the charity Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv to its warehouse on the Station Road Industrial Estate.
Talking at the event SHAP’s Mike Bowden expressed his gratitude, saying, “Can I welcome you to our modest warehouse – our base and spiritual home – so generously provided by Swindon Borough Council – and thank each and every one of you for the effort, commitment, and generosity you have shown to help us make just that little bit of difference to the lives of innocent people – lives that have been turned upside down and scarred by tragedy following the Russian invasion of their country.”
The Ukrainian delegation, along with Tony Strutt from V Aid, a charity that leverages the skills of veterans to deliver rapid, efficient food aid in the wake of global disasters, is partway through a tour of the UK, visiting Parliamentarians, officials, and fellow charities, in a bid to highlight the urgent continued need for humanitarian aid in Kharkiv.
Their journey has taken them to the House of Commons and House of Lords in Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, and has seen them attend meetings with various London officials regarding the ULEZ scrappage scheme.
Despite taking time out to be included in the tour, SHAP’s operations in Swindon continue unaffected, with aid consistently being prepared and sent to Ukraine.
