LKQ Euro Car Parts backs Ukraine effort

LKQ Euro Car Parts colleagues have raised more than £35,000 to support the relief effort in Ukraine, funding the purchase and delivery of two ambulances, with efforts ongoing to buy more.

Spearheaded by Dawid Kozlowski, an inventory analyst at the business’s Tamworth headquarters, teams from across the country have been hosting fundraising events, from cake sales and car washes to fancy dress at work and sponsored cycling, running and swimming challenges.

The initial ambition was to raise money to replace the 50-year-old ambulance at the local hospital in Shepitivka, in Western Ukraine – but enough was raised to buy one for the hospital in nearby Szarogord, too.

Earlier this month, a team from LKQ Euro Car Parts drove the former NHS ambulances from the UK to Ukraine – via Poland, where they were converted to left-hand drive. The ambulances were packed full of much-needed medicines and hygiene products.

With the leftover funding – and continued fundraising – there are plans to purchase more ambulances in Poland, which will also be prepared and serviced for use in Ukraine.

Richard Morgan, chief supply chain officer at LKQ Euro Car Parts, who helped Dawid and others drive the ambulances to Ukraine, said: “Dawid’s efforts are humbling and inspiring – and so is the response he has had from Ukraine, where the Sisters in receipt of supplies have taken the time to send thank you cards and photos, in between supporting refugees around the clock.

“On behalf of the leadership team here, I would like to share my respect for the courage of our colleagues and their families in Ukraine, who we continue to provide with support and assistance. And I’d say like to say a huge thank you and well done to Dawid and everyone in the UK business who supported his fantastic cause.”