February 2024, Ford Tranzit
When we plan aid in the Czech Republic—even with our experience from journeys to eastern Ukraine—we're still far removed from the reality there, and some things must be understood with a greater degree of perspective. Compared to the first year of the full-scale invasion, donor support has certainly decreased. Securing financial resources for aid is becoming increasingly difficult, and unfortunately, the assistance we’re able to provide is weaker, despite our tireless efforts to work and find new ways to deliver it.
I’m writing this because, for example, securing funding for an off-road vehicle like a pickup truck or 4x4 van—basically a former civilian vehicle adapted for Ukraine—used to take just over a month on average during the first two years. In 2022 and 2023, we managed to procure and deliver nearly 20 such vehicles to frontline units.
Two types of vehicles are in uniquely high demand. The first are evacuation ambulances, typically 4x4 vans, used to transport wounded soldiers from the front line to the nearest safe place for treatment. These vehicles also allow for basic lifesaving equipment onboard. While pickups can also rescue wounded soldiers, they have more versatile uses. For one of these evacuation ambulances—a T4 Transporter—we didn’t even need to launch a fundraiser in the Czech Republic. When Vasyl and I began talking about it, the vehicle had already been purchased. Donors from Ukraine themselves quickly raised the money without needing our help.
The second case occurred in January. The vehicle we recently delivered to the front is a refrigerated van used to transport soldiers who gave their lives for their country and for our future. Even such vehicles are needed.
It’s not easy to work on something like this. One has to see the effort to care for fallen soldiers as a very important and dignified need. Amid the horror, it stands as a striking testament to the moral values and heroism on Ukraine’s side. It was an honor for us to contribute—at least a little—in this matter.
Alongside the vehicle headed for southern Ukraine, we sent trench candles from our production in Prague.
We thank all donors of wax and all volunteers who participated in making them.
We also sent medical supplies—tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, and more—provided by my sister Michaela Riedlová. Warm clothing came from donors who, along with wax, bring us other necessary items listed in our inventory.
Thank you all!
Please continue your support so we can send more vehicles and material aid to the brave defenders of Ukraine!
СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!
