Surplus gym equipment donated by North Lanarkshire Council and organised by UNISON has arrived at the Aquarena Sport Complex in Kharkiv, Ukraine. This vital equipment will support the physical and emotional recovery of children injured by the ongoing conflict.
The initiative began with a donation of equipment from the Motherwell gym and was part of a collaborative effort between North and South Lanarkshire Councils, UNISON, and local community organisations. The project aims to provide therapeutic and rehabilitation support for children affected by the war.
Community Solidarity
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy expressed pride in the project, stating: “It is inspiring to see our local community coming together to support children in need. This initiative reflects the strength of solidarity and compassion. We hope that this equipment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict.”
Willie Shearer from UNISON North Lanarkshire added: “This project demonstrates the incredible impact that community and union efforts can have. We are proud to have contributed to helping children in Kharkiv recover and regain hope through this equipment and support.”
Transport and Fundraising
The transportation effort was coordinated by a dedicated team from UNISON North Lanarkshire, relying on volunteer drivers to undertake the journey. Thanks to generous donations and community support, the equipment has reached its destination, where it will be used for rehabilitation programs.
Last year, a Crowdfunder was successfully set up to help with the fundraising drive. It stated: “A dedicated team from UNISON North Lanarkshire is co-ordinating efforts to transport the equipment to Ukraine. We are asking for your help with transport costs: our intention is to use volunteer drivers to use a hire vehicle to take the equipment from Motherwell to Poland (1500 miles), from where Aquarena will organise transport to north-east Ukraine (a further 850 miles). It is hoped to undertake the journey at the earliest possible date, but this will depend on your donations. Please help us help children in this ravaged city where its people try and live their lives as normally as possible. Hopefully peace will come soon, but those damaged by the war will need support for a long time to come. As well as both councils, our efforts for Ukraine are supported by the exile Ukrainian community in Lanarkshire, Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Scotland, the Ukrainian Consul in Edinburgh, Andrii Madzianovskyl.”
