A CHARITY which is sending aid directly from Harwich to Ukraine is asking companies, organisations, and individuals to donate money for fuel - with 52 pallets of medical equipment requiring funds to be delivered. 

Tony Elliston, chair of the Harwich Ukraine Support Project, went to Ukraine four times in 2023 to directly give goods to people in the Chernihiv region - next to Russia and Belarus.  

Now the charity will be doing its first trip of 2024, setting off on March 26, and is asking for fuel contributions, the "main issue" and cost for all charities who directly give aid.  

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Contributions - the Harwich Ukraine Support Project is asking for contributions for fuel money to go alongside already donated palletsContributions - the Harwich Ukraine Support Project is asking for contributions for fuel money to go alongside already donated pallets (Image: Submitted)

Since 2023, an estimated £9million of goods have been donated including over 300 tonnes of blankets, clothing, food, and medical aid. 

Tony praised Essex and the volunteers for all their contributions but revealed each trip costs between seven to eight thousand "if we take all our available vehicles". 

Fundraising concerts have already been held in Harwich and Brantham, also marking the two-year anniversary of Russian's invasion of Ukraine.

While volunteers have been sorting and boxing donations for months, including 'carrier cots' which include essential items.  

To donate as a business, company, or individual, call Tony on 07831139019 or email tony.elliston@harwichcpp.com.