Daisy Cooper MP has launched an appeal for local community groups to raise funds for a local charity that is taking lifesaving medical aid to the frontline in Ukraine.
Daisy is also asking local medical suppliers and anyone with a connection to such organisations to donate relevant medical equipment and secondhand ambulances.
The “Convoy of Hope” will be led by St Albans based charity the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA), in partnership with the Mighty Convoy & the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine.
The MP’s appeal comes in the wake of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and US President Trump’s decision to remove US military aid from the country.
Daisy said:
“We are at a perilous moment for European security and it’s vital that the UK does everything it can to support Ukraine – with military, diplomatic, and humanitarian means.
“Ukrainian doctors are telling us that soldiers are needlessly dying of wounds on the battlefield when their lives could be saved if the medical doctors had the bandages, tourniquets, and oxygen supplies. Doctors could also save the lives of more young victims, including premature babies who desperately need incubation units.
“I’m acutely aware that some people are sitting at home watching international events unfold and wondering what they can do to help: well this is it.
“This “Convoy of Hope” desperately needs donations of medical supplies and secondhand vehicles (ambulances or pick-up trucks), sponsorship by local businesses, and for individuals and community groups to coordinate fundraising efforts.
“However you’re able to help, this appeal could make all the difference to those in danger and serving on the front line in Ukraine.”
And Peter Saunders, Chief Executive of the ICMDA, said:
“The international medical community has responded generously, with significant donations of surplus medical supplies, equipment and medicines. However, in Ukraine, all types of medical supplies are still in short supply and desperately needed. Every day we are working with our partners to locate new donations of materials from the NHS, private care sector and medical supply companies. We are asking our community of donors of supplies to redouble their support for Ukraine and give surplus items to Ukraine rather than dispose of them to auction, landfill or incineration. Together, we can make sure valuable supplies are not wasted but are donated in the UK and reach the injured and those in need of medical help.”
Daisy’s appeal comes hot on the heels of the official launch of the “Convoy of Hope”, which she hosted in Parliament on 4 March.
Daisy first met local residents involved in the ICMDA on 31 March 2023, after which she tabled a Parliamentary motion recognising the work of the charity: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/60856/the-international-christian-medical-and-dental-associations-ukraine-project
She has now tabled a further Parliamentary motion, in recognition of this “Convoy of Hope” campaign: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/63284
To date, the ICMDA has donated more than £7 million of aid to Ukraine. This appeal continues the local charity’s incredible work saving lives on the ground in Ukraine, where aid is needed now more than ever.
Donate to the appeal, and find out more about the ICMDA: https://icmda.net/get-involved/relief-projects/convoyofhope/
Contact Mighty Convoy about donating medical supplies, an ambulance, or secondhand vehicle: https://www.mightyconvoy.org/get-involved
As a priority they are appealing for cardiology and gastrointestinal medication, painkillers and antibiotics. They are also seeking surgical medical supplies, consumables for intensive therapy and inhalers. However as all medical supplies are in short supply, they are always grateful for whatever equipment suppliers can give.
Do make sure to let Daisy know about how you’re supporting the appeal, or to share details of any fundraising events you’re coordinating, by emailing: daisy.cooper.mp@parliament.uk
Attendees at the launch also heard from charities partnering with the ICMDA on this appeal: Mighty Convoy, which has delivered over 30 tonnes of aid to Ukraine, and the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMAU) which coordinates lifesaving medical assistance on the ground. Lieutenant Mykhaylo Korchynskyy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also gave a firsthand account of how such aid saves lives, at a time when it’s vitally needed.
Every £7,000 raised funds the transportation of one ambulance with supplies to Ukraine, where it can be used by the CMAU, or for two lorries of medical aid to be distributed to hospitals and clinics in need throughout the country.