Fred Olsen companies fund lorry of donations to Ukraine

The Fred Olsen family of travel companies has funded a lorry to send aid donated by team members to support Ukrainian refugees.

Suffolk-based Fred Olsen, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Fred Olsen Travel filled 61 boxes with clothes, medication, toiletries, nappies, blankets, batteries and power packs, thermal flasks and soft toys.

Donations were collected from Fred Olsen House, Ipswich, by Ruslan Postupalenko a 23-year-old Ukrainian and founder of lorry firm RPER who is working alongside A2B-Online and OLMAR.

The three Fred Olsen companies will jointly fund the fuel for one of Postupalenko’s lorries to travel to Ukraine.

Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We have all been saddened to see events unfold in recent weeks, and so many of our team have been wondering how they could help.

“As one of three Fred Olsen businesses based in Suffolk, it was clear that we all wanted to support a cause within our community here, and we were very pleased to be put in touch with Ruslan so we could lend our support to his efforts.

“To see our teams come together to provide such an incredible amount in donations makes me, and our other leaders across the businesses, incredibly proud to be a part of such an amazing team.”

Postupalenko added: “I cannot thank everyone enough for their compassion, generosity and kindness. I’ve not seen anything like this, ever.

“When I first started organising the appeal I thought it would only be one trailer, however, due to the overwhelming support we are now taking four.

“Every single person who is volunteering or supporting is doing it for a country that is 2,000 kilometres away, but everyone truly cares.

“I cannot thank Fred Olsen Ltd, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred Olsen Travel enough, and all others who have donated their time, items and given financial support, this will go a long way in getting aid to those in need in Ukraine.”