A NORTH EAST businessman has linked up with connections in Poland to try and bring aid to those fleeing their homes over the border in war-torn Ukraine.
Like many people during the last two months, Kevin Doyle, who owns My Lock Up self-storage, has become inspired to help the Ukrainian people who have lost everything after leaving their homes, due to the Russian invasion and shelling of residential and industrial areas of their country.
After watching the “harrowing” and “devastating” scenes on his TV, which showed thousands of Ukrainians in need – Mr Doyle saw it as his duty to assist wherever he could.
Read more: Ferryhill man delivering medical supplies to Ukraine hospital
Over the years, the business owner, who has self-storage buildings in six North East locations, has built up connections across Europe, including in Poland.
Now that help is needed more than ever, Mr Doyle has taken it upon himself to travel the 1400 miles to Poland on March 21 with a convoy of three vehicles, which will see him drop the thousands of donations he’s had so far onto Polish distributors.
Despite Mr Doyle having the initial idea for the collection, it’s become a real team effort at My Lock Up, which has seen everyone get behind the charitable initiative, including Kevin’s son, Jake, who will be joining him on the trip to Poland.
Speaking about the task ahead of him, he said: “We’re used to handling people in distress, whether they need storage because they are having family issues, escaping an abusive situation, or going through other distress, we have the emotional element to help.
“I believe that after a pandemic, people want a cause to believe in and the awful situation in Ukraine has captured people’s charitable side. We’ve already seen an amazing response to the appeal, and we’ve only been going a matter of days.”
When the business owner travels to Poland on March 21, it won’t be the first time that My Lock Up have helped charitable organisations, after completing several other charity fundraising, including coast to coast efforts.
Read more: Darlington thanked for 'amazing' response to Ukraine donations
Up until March 21, Mr Doyle has urged members of the public to donate to the Ukraine crisis cause, with non-perishables, sanitary products, nappies, and other items.
This can be done by visiting any of the My Lock Up facilities - found by clicking the link.
He added: “These people aren’t just in need, they’re people just like you and me. That’s what hit me most, one day they were living their lives, going to work, school and going about their daily lives, and the next they’re fleeing their homes and escaping war.
“All they want to do is rebuild and want the Russians to stop shelling their country. Hopefully all of these donations will make a difference.”
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