Bristol charity sends a van full of generators to Ukraine

A charity has sent 34 generators to Ukraine in its latest shipment to help people living in war-torn regions of the country.

Bristol with Love for Ukraine has sent a total of 71 vans full of supplies to Ukraine since 24 February 2022, including over 11,000 boxes.

On July 6, the latest van was sent off with a ceremony which included a speech by Bristol Mayor Councilor Andrew Varney.

Volunteer Dr Ann Kennard said: “People think Ukraine is forgotten but it’s not, this country has been very positive in its help and we will not forget them.”

The van was loaded with supplies from the charity which is based in the Bristol International Center for Ukraine on Greystoke Avenue.

The team driving the van will take a few days to reach Romania, where they will then be taken across the border into Ukraine.

There, they go to community centers in secure underground locations where civilians can charge laptops, cell phones, cot batteries, torches and allow them to cook.

The charity relies on public donations.

Dr Kennard, a retired lecturer at the University of the West of England, said: “We have heard from our friends in Ukraine that the thing they need most is generators and we are delighted to help.

“Ukraine’s power plants were really damaged, for example the three major power plants in Kharkiv were completely destroyed.

“So we know this is what they need and everyone has been so generous.”

Dr. Kennard explained that the group is inundated with donations of items and money that have enabled them to purchase the generators to send.

From Bristol with Love was founded by Dr. Răzvan Constantinescu, honorary consul of Romania in Bristol.