A charity that sends vital aid supplies to people in Ukraine has issued an urgent appeal to find a new warehouse.
Lymington-based New Forest for Ukraine says it needs to find a suitable new location as it prepares to send out its 80th aid lorry.
Currently operating from Ampress Lane, the charity is now calling for help to find a new 6,500 sq ft warehouse with a roller shutter either in Lymington or New Milton.
Wendy Warrington (left) with NFFU volunteers packaging baby supplies and gift boxes for Ukraine
A lorry departing New Forest for Ukraine’s warehouse in Ampress Lane, Lymington
An NFFU spokesperson said: “As global events push up the cost of delivering humanitarian aid, New Forest for Ukraine is making an urgent appeal for a new warehouse home just as the charity prepares to celebrate a remarkable milestone.
“Following the charity’s recent appeal for businesses and the public to sponsor pallets at £50 each – which was launched in response to rising transport and fuel costs affecting humanitarian deliveries – the volunteer-led organisation is now facing another critical challenge.
“NFFU is seeking warehouse premises in Lymington or New Milton. This is after more than four years operating from a series of generously donated premises, for which the charity is immensely grateful, and have enabled thousands of tonnes of aid to reach Ukraine.”
NFFU volunteers wearing donated New Forest Marathon T-shirts
The charity said its new premises will need parking spaces for volunteers and visitors as well as “easy access” for articulated lorries.
“For several years, the warehouse has been the engine room of New Forest for Ukraine’s operation,” the charity spokesperson continued. “Every wheelchair, generator, box of medical supplies, food parcel, box of toiletries and pet supplies and item of clothing is received, sorted, packed, and loaded there by a dedicated team of volunteers before beginning its journey to trusted humanitarian partners in Ukraine.
NFFU volunteers hard at work in their Lymington aid hub
“August will see the charity dispatch its 80th articulated lorry of humanitarian aid, a remarkable achievement made possible entirely through the generosity of people, businesses, and volunteers across the New Forest. Every one of those 80 lorries represents thousands of essential items reaching families, hospitals and communities whose lives have been torn apart by war.
“The appeal comes at a particularly difficult time. Rising fuel prices and increased pressure on international transport linked to conflict in the Middle East have added to the cost of delivering humanitarian aid worldwide. These increasing costs prompted New Forest for Ukraine’s recent appeal for residents and businesses to sponsor pallets, helping to ensure vital supplies continue reaching those who need them most.
“Now, without a suitable warehouse, the charity’s ability to continue sending life-saving aid is itself under threat. New Forest for Ukraine is asking commercial landlords, industrial estate owners, businesses, and property agents to come forward if they know of a suitable building. Even a vacant warehouse available on a short or medium-term basis could make an enormous difference.”
Mandy Haynes of New Forest for Ukraine
NFFU’s leader Mandy Haynes added: “As we prepare to send our 80th lorry this August, we’re incredibly proud of what our community has achieved together.
“Every pallet tells a story of kindness, every lorry represents hope, and every volunteer has played a part. But without a new warehouse, everything we have built is at risk. We’re asking our community once again to help us keep this lifeline open for the people of Ukraine.”
Anyone able to help with suitable warehouse premises is encouraged to email New Forest for Ukraine at info@newforestforukraine.co.uk