Keith Dawson issues heartfelt thanks to the orienteering community : Pickups for Peace Update

A wee update for those SOA members who have donated in a number of ways to our Ukrainian registered charity Pickups for Peace.

Thank you-you are saving lives

“This weekend we delivered our 20th Pickups for Peace Aid convoy to Ukraine, including our 600th vehicle with the largest convoy ever of 55 vehicles. Yet again an amazing group of all ages and walks of life uniting in fellowship and friendship around a common purpose to drive across Europe to Lviv.

The total is now 645 vehicles and, at a conservative estimate, over 6500 lives saved. That’s 6500 families not grieving, 6500 less empty seats at the table.  An amazing achievement from all those raising funds, organising and the 1134 drivers driving across Europe to save lives, Bringing not only aid and vehicles, but also solidarity and the strong message that the Ukrainians are not alone and we will not stop as long as the need is there.

Sadly the military cemetery in Lviv continues to grow note the two photographs March 2023 and yesterday, an empty field before the war. Always an emotional visit to pay our respects to those who have fallen to help protect Europe. Emotional again meeting the grieving families there and their handshakes and words in gratitude for our support.

Our new target for the end of the summer is 750 aid filled vehicles. Can you step up and help? A Big Thank you to all SOA members who have contributed. 

Keith Dawson, former SOA Chair