Two 4×4 SUVs bring 46 bags of humanitarian aid … and donated to ZSU

22 November 2024 – Sunflower Scotland used two 4×4 SUVs to bring 46 bags of warm clothes from Scotland to Kharkiv. After that, we donated both vehicles to the defenders of Ukraine. Honda CRV donated to Khartiya, and VW Touareg to Kharkiv City Battalion.

We purchased two 4×4 SUVs in Scotland: a Honda CR-V and a Volkswagen Touareg. Before setting off to Ukraine, we serviced the Honda, changed oil and brake fluid. We inspected for any faults (it was in good condition). The Volkswagen SUV was serviced a couple of weeks ago, and it was ready to go.

Warm clothes for Kharkiv

Scottish Churches collected loads of warm clothes for people in the Kharkiv region. Communities in Haddington, Port Seton, Cokenzie and Torphichen did a fantastic job, and collected many bags of clean, warm jackets, jumpers. There were also a few bags of hats, gloves and warm blankets. Such warm clothes will be really necessary during the cold Ukrainian winter, in villages in east of Kharkiv. We would like to share words of gratitude and appreciation!

The Sunflower team packed all clothes into vacuum 46 bags, to compress them and fit as much as possible into the two cars.

After arriving in Kharkiv, we unloaded all the winter clothing. We donated both SUVs to the defenders of Ukraine. These cars will help them to travel through the rugged terrain. And if someone gets wounded or injured – which happens too often! – these SUVs will help to bring the person to the medics.

Without such 4×4 vehicles, the injured people have to be dragged by hand. Not only this is hard, but it exposes not only the wounded person, but everyone carrying him to even more danger. A group slowly travelling on foot can be easily spotted and targeted by a Russian drone.

That’s why we know: 4×4 vehicles save lives. Our SUVs do not participate in the military stuff: they are not protected by armour. But they are good in one thing: getting someone to safety, when every second counts.

4×4 vehicles save lives

VW Touareg to Kharkiv City Battalion

First, we donated the VW touareg to Kharkiv City Battalion. This part of Ukraine’s defence forces is fully made up of volunteers: women and men who chose to defend the innocent lives, their families and their country.

Honda CR-V for Khartiya

We met with Sanya – call sign SMS – near the supermarket, which is now a ruin. Shattered glass, rubble on the ground.

Most buildings along the main road in Tsyrkuny were destroyed during the first wave of the Russian invasion in February 2022. This village lies just a couple of miles north of Kharkiv: right on the axis of attack. In September 2022, Ukraine drove them back, freeing this part of the Kharkiv region.

In 2024, the Russians made a new attempt to capture Kharkiv from the north. Tsyrkuny became Ukraine’s new stronghold just behind the front line.

We have known each other since the summer of 2022, when we met in Slovyansk. Sanya has been defending Ukraine for nine years. He has seen every chapter of this war. Now, he is teaching new recruits how to stay alive. Still, the Russian invasion is brutal, and many Ukrainian boys are paying the ultimate price.

This time, we donated a Honda CR-V. It will help them to evacuate the wounded and bring supplies.

It’s not a massive car, but it’s quick and nimble. Honda has a fantastic diesel engine. When drones are chasing you up in the air, speed may be a critical advantage.

In addition, we used the Honda SUV to bring spare parts for the Volvo XC90.

We delivered this SUV earlier, in June 2024. Having driven through the frontline, Volvo’s suspension was badly damaged. But Volvo’s engine worked perfectly, and the guys asked our help to get it back on track.

We brought shock absorbers, springs and other essential spares. The mechanics in Kharkiv fixed it really quickly, and now the Volvo is back in business!

Thanks to our supporters

We sincerely thank all our donors who help us to help Ukraine.

And we’d like to send special thanks to the family in Falkirk who sold us the car. You looked after it well, it was in a good condition. Now, it’s helping Ukraine.