A Knaresborough man, who is raising money to buy and send an ambulance to Volodymyr in Ukraine, is hoping to raise the remaining £6,000 of his target through upcoming fundraising events.
Bob Frendt, who is in his 70s, has raised £18,000 of his £24,000 target which will fund one of two fire engines, as well as travel costs for him and four other passengers.
After being stuck at £7,000 for several weeks, Mr Frendt received an anonymous £10,000 donation which boosted the funds significantly.
Mr Frendt, who is a retired truck driver, began his humanitarian work over 18 months ago when the war between Ukraine and Russia began.
He said:
“I saw it on the TV when it started and saw the conditions these people were living in.
“I said to my wife ‘I can’t just sit here; I need to do something to help’.”
He took his first trip to Volodymyr shortly after as a co-driver for another humanitarian worker.
Since then, he has made eight trips to the Ukrainian city and has delivered vital medical equipment.
This time, the Mayor of Volodymyr asked Mr Frendt to supply the city with a fire engine, as the original one is now in use in Kyiv.
He said:
“As soon as the mayor requested that I began searching for a fire engine which I found almost immediately.
“I have bought the vehicle through Angloco Ltd, in Batley, who have been very helpful and extremely instrumental in finding the fire engine to take to Ukraine.”
Read more:
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Mr Frendt is hoping to raise the remaining money, plus another £4,000 to cover travel costs, before the end of October, so he can set off before the winter weather begins.
He added:
“We still need donations to make sure we can set off before the end of October.
“Any donations will be gratefully received.”
Bob’s Fundraising Events:
Bob is holding a quiz night and raffle at The Empress pub, in Harrogate, on October 5. Tickets will cost £2 on the door.
The following night, Knot Another Choir will be performing a fundraising concert at Trinity Church in Knaresborough. Tickets are £10 and can be bought online or on the door.
A Concert for Ukraine will also be held at the Frazer Theatre in Knaresborough on October, 7, from 7.30pm
A donation of the profits will be made to help fund one of Mr Frendt’s ambulances. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s
Donations can be made via Mr Frendt’s Just Giving page.
Photo of the Week: Sunset over Trinity ChurchThis week’s photograph was taken by Bill Shaw, featuring the silhouette of women photographing the sunset overlooking the Stray and Trinity Church.
Bill Shaw
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