AN ALRESFORD timber merchants is taking part in a fundraising campaign for Ukraine.

Covers, which also has branches in Southampton and Chichester, is donating three lorries to the humanitarian organisation Stay Safe UA - and launching a £50,000 campaign with British fundraising group UKtoUkraine to fill them with essential equipment and supplies for the people of Ukraine.

The Covers Mercedes rigid crane lorries, plus a forklift and tracked recovery vehicle, will make the long journey to be handed over on the Polish/Ukraine border later this month.

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Stay Safe UA’s volunteers will then use them to provide help to affected civilians. However, Covers and UKtoUkraine are appealing for public support to make the most of the vehicle’s carrying capacity.

Covers chairman Rupert Green said: “These trucks will play a crucial role in supplying vital aid to the civilians near the frontlines in Ukraine and local hospitals.

“Their cranes will enable Stay Safe UA to be much more effective and help other aid organisations.

Hampshire Chronicle: Left to right: Pip Holmes of UKtoUkraine, Caragh Booth of UKtoUkraine, Rupert Green, chairman of Covers, and Covers operations director Roger Lewis Left to right: Pip Holmes of UKtoUkraine, Caragh Booth of UKtoUkraine, Rupert Green, chairman of Covers, and Covers operations director Roger Lewis (Image: Covers)“One will carry a mobile shower unit, one a mobile bakery and the other will be used for transporting rescue vehicles, generators and aid pallets wherever the need is greatest.

“However, we need your help to maximise the impact of transporting them to Ukraine and equipping them for their intended use.”

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The company is asking members of the public for support to fund the cost of the trip to Ukraine and buy a 20ft container and a front-end loader with an angle broom for rubble clearance, as well as urgently-needed equipment and supplies including mortuary freezers, water transfer pumps, materials for temporary windows and medical supplies.

Rupert continued: “The total estimated cost for this is £50,000. Please give generously to help these vital humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine.”

Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser as an individual can visit gofundme.com/f/uktoukraine, while companies which wish to donate are asked to email Rupert Green at rupert.green@covers.biz.