Classic fans race to raise Ukraine cash
Midget giveaway and Škoda run in latest bids to help those affected by Russian invasion
Classic enthusiasts across the UK are ramping up their efforts to raise funds for those affected by the ongoign conflict in Ukraine.
Former Wheeler Dealers presenter and Youtube Workshop Diaries host Edd China – along with his long-term tinkering buddy Paul Brackley – has set off (at the time of going to press) on a humanitarian mission to ferry in vital supplies overland to Ukraine.
Teaming up with charity The Yorkshire Aid Convoy, Edd and Paul volunteered to drive a truck the 4000km (2485 miles) from Yorkshire to Ukraine. Filled with vital aid including food, medical and hygiene supplies, as well as PPE, the truck is expected to use £10k worth of fuel alone. The pair has set up online donation portals in the hope of at least covering this cost, while the ambition is that these campaigns will raise even more for the vital work of Yorkshire Aid Convoy (yorkshireaidconvoy.co.uk). The charity was set up in 1999 to help relieve some of the shocking deprivation that founder Simon Hartley witnessed when he travelled to Romania and Ukraine.
It’s not just big names in the hobby who are lending a hand, either. Mirek Synek, a Czech native who grew up under Soviet occupation, has started his own campaign to raise funds for The British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal. A retired paediatrician, he has seen the effects of war on refugees first-hand and wants to do something to help Ukraine’s displaced families. He will be driving his 1960 Škoda Octavia from Warsash in Hampshire to Edinburgh and back (a total of 866 miles).
Mirek told Classic Car Weekly: ‘I want to be a part of the British tradition of standing up to tyrants and supporting those affected by them. The “Old Girl” and I will go on a mission of supporting people who simply want to live their lives without Russian interference.’
CCW readers can visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/miroslav-synek to help Mirek raise funds.
Businesses in the classic sphere are also stepping up to help. Vintage & Classic Car Hire, for one, is providing its support by auctioning off one of its fleet. A late model rubber bumper MG Midget that’s apparently been the subject of a bare metal re-paint, will be given away as a prize. The proceeds from the £5 ticket entry go to the Disasters Emergency Committee to help its work in Ukraine.
❚ competitions. vintageandclassiccarhire.com