North-east farmers efforts support Pickips 4 Peace campaign
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Across the north-east and Moray, local farmers and agricultural businesses are being asked to help their counterparts in war torn Ukraine.
NFUS North East Regional Chair Alan Simpson said: "Many farmers will no doubt be aware of the Pickups 4 Peace campaign, which is the farmer-led project to access donations of 4x4 vehicles; fill them with useful tools and items for delivery to Ukraine.
"The project has been designed in such a way that ensures that the vehicles and the contents are delivered directly to the people-in-need who desperately require our support, in order to cope with the challenges of living in a country at war.
"120 pick-ups have already been delivered, and the goal is to reach 200 before harvest.
"There is an official Just Giving page set up for on-line donations: Crowdfunding to Support Ukraine's Aid Effort on JustGiving
"Similarly, if you have any un used items which are perhaps sitting dormant and unused in the back of your shed, we would be delighted to use these to help fill the pick-up truck.
"Finally, if you have a 4x4 pick-up or SUV that you would like to donate, we would also be keen to hear from you."
He continued: "Robert, Ethel and Iain Chapman, from West Cockmuir (Farmlay) at Strichen have generously donated a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck, and Philip Sleigh at Netherton of Mounie, Oldmeldrum, has offered to drive it to the desired destination in Ukraine.
"Philip is seeking a co-pilot volunteer to help, so is keen to hear from any willing volunteers. "
The Poultry Committee, championed by NFUS National Poultry Chair, Robert Thompson at Forfar, has already launched a campaign to request support from the poultry sector.
Matthew Steel from Forfar has already delivered two pick-up trucks to Ukraine.
He added: "It would be great if the north-east farming community would like to support this cause and raise more funds and donations to add to the Poultry Committee’s great work to date.
"Philip Sleigh has offered to offer space on his farm as a collection centre for any donations of kit. "
Types of items which are in high demand are- Quad Bikes; dirt bikes, generators, dry food goods, night vision equipment, drones, spare tyres, tarpaulins, ratchet straps, spades, tow slings, engine oil, diesel cans, spare fan belts, chainsaws, jump leads, old phones, battery chargers; phone chargers, spare batteries, and cable ties of all sizes.
If you feel you can help with supplying some items, please call or text Philip on 07889 681027.
Farm address for deliveries is: Netherton of Mounie, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0EB with collections ending at the start of September.
He concluded: "We will also be raising monies for Pick-ups 4 Peace at our Unsung Hero Award Drinks Reception at Turriff Show on June 30 at 5pm, so please do come along to support the cause and enjoy hot food and refreshments.
"We will be hosting a raffle and an auction to raise funds, so if you would like to donate any items for the raffle or auction, please do contact your Group secretary, our Regional Manager, Lorna Paterson; our Vice Chairs: Bob Hay and Kevin Gilbert, or indeed, myself. "
