Barclay [full name not disclosed for privacy reasons] decided to give his 4×4 SUV to the defenders of Ukraine. He contacted Sunflower Scotland, and our team delivered it to soldiers who sacrifice their lives on the front line. A couple days ago Barclay wrote to us and shared a few words about his experience of donating the car, and dealing with Sunflower in general.
It all started when Barclay got in touch with Sunflower Scotland in January 2024. He knew that ZSU, the defenders of Ukraine, were giving it all they could, but times were very hard. He asked if Sunflower could get his old Volvo to those who need it most.
“If you have a sturdy 4×4 or any other vehicle that could be useful for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, I would urge you to consider donating it through Sunflower Scotland. My Volvo XC90 is now being put to good use in Ukraine by people that need it a lot more than me!”
Barclay, Scotland
Oleg Dmitriev, Sunflower’s chairman, explained to Barclay that since the start of the war Sunflower had been supporting Ukraine’s frontline regiments with life-saving medical supplies, provided ambulances and pickup trucks to the front line. That Sunflower went all the way and helped boys defending Bakhmut and Lyman. In short, that they had the right experience for the job.
Sunflower’s team took the car and prepared it for the 2200-mile journey, and for the hard work that awaited it in Ukraine.
Our friends from Lochrin Autos Ltd – a very reputable garage in Edinburgh – did all necessary servicing, changed glow plugs and installed new off-road tyres. As a result, the Volvo passed MOT and was ready for the tough work ahead.
Sunflower arranged:
- Comprehensive insurance for the UK and the EU
- MOT
- Vehicle tax
The vehicle was loaded to the brim with medical supplies contributed by Scottish and English donors.
Oleg drove the Volvo to the 129th brigade TRO from Kryvyi Rih, and donated the medical items to the Kryvyi Rih Regional Hospital. Please read our full report regarding this delivery.
Barclay summarises his experience with Sunflower Scotland:
“Oleg, Chairman of Sunflower Scotland was kind enough to pick up the car from my house, and after some adaptations, in this instance drove it himself to Ukraine! This is a very trustworthy charity and without me asking, I received photographic evidence of the car’s journey and receipt of the vehicle in Ukraine, to the regiment that requested it.”
As Barclay says, Sunflower’s team kept him informed about each step of the process:
- Copies of the official letter of request from the regiment
- Updates from the journey to Ukraine
- Photos of how the car was delivered to the regiment
Please consider donating your old 4×4 SUV or pickup truck to Ukraine. It will make a big difference and help Ukraine’s selfless defenders. Read our page on how to donate a car to Ukraine, or contact us and we will walk you through the process.
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