Total funds raised so (including this Crowdfunder): £26,604
(Plus direct donations of vehicles, equipment, PPE)
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Since May 2024, UK trade union and labour movement activists have been raising funds to support workers in the 10th Rescue Squad, based in Donetsk oblast - eastern Ukraine, near the frontline. This was in response to an appeal from their section of the Independent Trade Union of Mineworkers of Ukraine (NGPU) - these workers are connected to the mining industry, but particularly since the full scale invasion do more general firefighting and rescue work too. NGPU is part of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU).
Since then we have collected £26,488 - through trade union donations, crowdfunded contributions, and collections - plus direct donations of equipment etc worth tens of thousands more. The appeal has helped provide vehicles, equipment and PPE to the Rescue Squad, already used in missions saving thousands of lives. (For more on the original appeal, see here. For more on the work the aid has supported, see here.)
In response to a new request from the union, we are now raising funds for drones to aid in the Squad's firefighting and rescue work. With sufficient funds, we may also be able to provide a vehicle to replace one recently destroyed or other equipment the Squad needs. Our *initial* target is £3,512.
PLEASE NOTE: In 2025 the Squad has not only had to relocate due to Russian attacks, but been directly subjected to bombing, with members killed and injured and facilities and vehicles destroyed. So solidarity and this practical support are more vital than ever.