‘Much more needed’ in Ukraine genset appeal

Significantly more support is needed if the Plant & Hire Aid Alliance is to reach its target of sending 10,000 mobile generators to Ukraine.

Jeremy Fish, the CEO of Ardent Hire who has been spearheading the efforts to send aid and generators to the country, said considerably more than the current £11,500 would be needed to reach the target.

Damaged buildings in the city of Borodianka, Ukraine. (Photo: AdobeStock)

“They need power more than ever in Ukraine”, Fish told IRN, “Winter is almost over, but the need for power is as acute as ever.”

Fish said there had been no shortage of donations of other types of supplies, including medical equipment, and an articulated lorry full of aid will be making its way to Ukraine over the next few weeks, followed by a second delivery.

He said the Plant & Hire Aid Alliance now had a secure and well-established transport route to the country using its links with the Rotary International organisation.

The short term aim is to get the financial pledges up to £20,000 to start sending domestic gensets as soon as possible. The generators will go to individual families as well as hospitals and public utilities.

At the launch of the 10,000 generators appeal in December, Fish said that just £270 can send a generator to keep families warm; “This includes the elderly, as well as small children and babies, who are at serious risk from the cold.

“We’re appealing to colleagues across the UK and around the world, including the US hire industry, to join us to help reach this ambitious target of 10,000 generators.” The American Rental Association is supporting the effort.

The Alliance said individuals or companies can donate in the knowledge that all funds will go directly towards generator orders.

To find out more, and to make your donation, please visit aid-alliance.com, or email ukraine@ardenthire.com. Donations can also be made directly at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ukraine-gensets