Charity team deploys 11 speed runners to Ukraine
In the wake of the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis remains dire. Aware of the urgent need for assistance, Henric Peeters, director of Caritas Düsseldorf, has lent a hand to his colleagues at Caritas International in Freiburg. Mercedes Benz, with production facilities in Düsseldorf, had donated eleven Sprinter vans, and they needed to be delivered to Ukraine.
Volunteers were quickly assembled, and the convoy departed on Monday morning. Their destination was Lviv, a city in western Ukraine situated approximately 70 kilometers from the Polish border. With around 1400 kilometers to cover, the team, consisting of a relief driver, two return-journey escorts, and eleven drivers, was ready to tackle the challenge. The first leg of their journey took them near Opole in Poland, where accommodation had been organized in a seminary for the 14-person team.
On Tuesday morning, they continued towards the Polish-Ukrainian border, hopeful for a smooth crossing as no aid goods were aboard. Upon crossing the border, Ukrainian drivers would take over the vehicles, as international regulations dictate that they could not leave Poland. Caritas in Lviv, with 44 regional support points, would handle distribution within the country. The Sprinter vans would be deployed to deliver aid to areas inaccessible to larger vehicles.
The convoy set off in pouring rain from Harffstraße. Gernot Krauß from Caritas International expressed gratitude for Mercedes' continued support with transporters, having donated six vehicles last year. During the convoy's farewell, the Ukrainian General Consul Iryna Shum graced the Caritas warehouse at Harffstraße with her presence. She thanked everyone involved and highlighted Düsseldorf's significant role in establishing a partnership with Ukraine post-conflict, providing emotional and material support. Shum underscored the importance of actions like the vehicle transport, stressing that help is still needed as the war continues.
Regarding the status of these Mercedes Benz Sprinters donated by Caritas Düsseldorf to Caritas International in Ukraine, up-to-date and specific information regarding their deployment and distribution could not be found in available search results. For the most accurate and current details, contact Caritas Düsseldorf or Caritas International directly.
In the organization of the relief effort, the volunteers prepared to deliver the Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans, donated by Caritas Düsseldorf, to Ukraine's transportation network. Upon reaching their destination in Lviv, these vehicles will be distributed by Caritas within the industry, ensuring finance and resources reach those in need amidst the ongoing conflict.
