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The Norse Group has teamed up with Polish non-governmental organisation Norfolk Polonia CIC and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service to provide essential resources to help the humanitarian aid effort in Ukraine.
As one of the largest local authority trading companies in the UK, Norse has utilised its facilities management experience, to help secure logistics, transportation, and equipment to support the community-driven initiative.
As well as donating facilities, vans, fuel and generators, Norwich-based Norse employees have also offered hands-on support by volunteering part of their workday to help Norfolk Polonia sort, pack and box much-needed donated items from the community for onward shipping.
So far, the Group and its partners, including Atlas Commodities, who have provided long-distance haulage, have sent several articulated lorries and vans carrying urgent medical supplies, clothes, waterproof material, and food into the heart of war-torn Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv and neighbouring Poland and Slovakia.
Director of Norfolk Polonia, Dorota Darnell, commented: “On behalf of Norfolk Polonia and the Ukrainian community, we are so touched and grateful for all the help from our partners at Norse and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. Everything you have done and continue to do makes a huge difference to those affected by this crisis.”
Chris Standley, Crew Manager on White Watch at North Earlham Fire Station, who first contacted Norse for assistance as part of the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service driven initiative, said: “NFRS are delighted to have been involved with coordinating and helping with the Ukraine Humanitarian aid effort. We have been using a specialist Incident Response Unit fire service lorry for the purpose of collecting donated items from businesses within the Norwich area and delivering them to our dedicated sorting and packing facility. Working alongside both Norse and Norfolk Polonia highlights how in times of crisis, we are able to work together to help those less fortunate.”
Justin Galliford, Norse Group’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are immensely proud that Norse Group has worked closely in partnership with Norfolk Polonia to help coordinate ongoing deliveries of donations to those on the front line in Ukraine and refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries.
“As an organisation, we are always looking for ways to positively impact the communities that we serve with the ultimate aim to help improve people’s lives. Dorota and her team are working tirelessly to get much-needed aid to the people who need it most. By utilising our expertise, facilities and resources and working with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk County Council, we can continue to provide the necessary assistance and support needed.”
Over the coming weeks, Norse will continue to support the aid effort with further volunteering opportunities for employees and fundraising events across the UK, including a donation drop off-point and dress down days.
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