Residents of the Estonian island of Saaremaa have sent half a dozen cars to Ukraine that were previously used for mail delivery, writes the Estonian media ERR News.
The vans have been donated by local residents and will go to the east of Ukraine, in Izyum. They are filled with donated items collected with winter conditions in mind. Jaanika Tiitson, the organizer of the donation, told the Aktuaalne Kaamera program: «As you can see, the vans are leaning backward. We have out some pretty heavy things in them. For example batteries, LED bulbs, warm undergarments, and heaters of different types.»
The total value of the shipment is around 30,000 euros, and it was assembled over a week, involving both private individuals and Saaremaa businessmen. Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes since the Russian invasion have also been living on the island, and the fundraiser attracted their attention as well, especially after the buses were plastered with identification marks of Ukrainian post.
Truck driver Aivo, who has already transported about 400 vehicles from Estonia to Ukraine since the start of the war, said: «Those who actually go to pick things up; that’s already on another level. I’m saying this with a tear in my eye.
Everything that’s inside this vehicle, no matter how big or small – well you can see that it’s needed. It’s awesome when you get to do something.»
One of the buses also contains a special package – a gift from the people of Saaremaa to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.