Good afternoon everyone, after an epic period of preparations by the S.E.R.A team and unbelievable generosity from the public financially and with equipment, we are finally on the move.
As I write this,our team of S E.R.A (Scottish Emergency Rescue Association) volunteers will be leaving our Edinburgh H.Q. With a convoy of desperately needed aid consisting of 3 fully equipped fire engines and a fully laden 18 tonne lorry, driving non-stop on the long journey towards the Ukrainian border where we will be supplying fire and rescue equipment to our Ukrainian colleagues. These incredibly brave Firefighters are valiantly working around the clock, physically exhausted and in the most arduous and dangerous conditions imaginable. In collapsed and shattered buildings from the relentless Russian bombardment they carry out firefighting and search and rescue for any survivor's. Putting their own lives on the line time and time again without hesitation.We know Firefighters and fire engines have also been targeted by Russian forces, so, not only are they having to fight fires , on top of the bulky fire gear they are currently wearing ballistic vests and helmets (when available) to protect themselves from Russian attacks. We intend to support these incredible firefighters as long as they need us .We at S.E.R.A realise that money is tighter than ever in the current climate but Please, Please !!!!!!!! give what you can.
After
a mammoth effort by all of our volunteers, contributors and partners,
we are packed and ready to leave. This is an amazing achievement in such
a short space of time. Well done everyone.
Unfortunately the only thing stopping us from leaving is the V5 registration documents that are currently being processed and issued by DVLA.
We have spoken with DVLA and will call them again tomorrow to push for the documents and will keep you posted as to when we receive them.
The good news however is that we have been working hard behind the scenes to find a safe route to get the equipment and vehicles directly into the hands of the operational firefighters in Ukraine.
This new route will save weeks of logistics of existing supply lines and gets vital rescue equipment into areas that up until now have been impossible to reach.
For security reasons we are not going to publish this route in order to keep it open and safe for fire and rescue equipment donations which will follow our delivery.
We do apologise to our friends and colleagues in Ukraine for the delay but please be assured that we are making every effort to get this equipment to you as soon possible.
Thank you all once again for your amazing support - this is your project which is happening as a result of a collaborative effort which so many of you have been a part of.
Unfortunately the only thing stopping us from leaving is the V5 registration documents that are currently being processed and issued by DVLA.
We have spoken with DVLA and will call them again tomorrow to push for the documents and will keep you posted as to when we receive them.
The good news however is that we have been working hard behind the scenes to find a safe route to get the equipment and vehicles directly into the hands of the operational firefighters in Ukraine.
This new route will save weeks of logistics of existing supply lines and gets vital rescue equipment into areas that up until now have been impossible to reach.
For security reasons we are not going to publish this route in order to keep it open and safe for fire and rescue equipment donations which will follow our delivery.
We do apologise to our friends and colleagues in Ukraine for the delay but please be assured that we are making every effort to get this equipment to you as soon possible.
Thank you all once again for your amazing support - this is your project which is happening as a result of a collaborative effort which so many of you have been a part of.
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As we rise from our beds this morning, exhausted by all the work it takes to prepare for our imminent trip to assist the Ukraine Fire Service, we remember that we were safe and warm in our beds.
The brave people of Ukraine, and the courageous protestors in St Petersburg, did not have that luxury. Therefore, we are thankful for our rest and we continue our work for we Stand with Ukraine.
An update as to where we are at:
There has been a massive response from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service who are providing 3 surplus fire engines, 20 sets of hydraulic cutting equipment, 300 sets of PPE, 7 generators and, most importantly, 45+ sets of Ballistics body armour.
We are hoping to conclude a commitment from a local haulage company to service our 18t lorry prior our departure – more news on that hopefully today.
We are in discussions on Ballistics body armour with another emergency service in Scotland – again we will update you on that as soon as we can.
Blythswood Care, our long term partner, have offered to complete our customs paperwork.
P&O ferries have offered us half price travel on their Hull crossing.
As I write, our volunteers are at Ballyclare in Livingston sorting and loading around 300 sets of PPE.
Last but by no means least, so far we have raised £12,188 of our budget of £15K which is unbelievable in such a small amount of time.
Those funds are the lifeblood of making this happen and many of you reading this have been part of that. On behalf of the people of SERA & Ukraine, thank you.
We are still looking for some equipment requested by the Ukraine Fire Service. Therefore, if you have a petrol chainsaw or generator that you could donate to them, please message us and we will try and arrange collection. Or you can drop it off at our base in Edinburgh.
It has been inspiring to see the peace loving people of the world responding to the atrocities of Putin’s war. When we pull together, we can save lives. That is what you are part of as your read and respond to this Facebook thread.
May God bless Ukraine & the protestors in Russia.
