Sale resident raises over £50,000 to support Ukraine

Sale resident Joe Peden (pictured left above) has helped to raise over £50,000 after he “was sick of sitting on the sofa doing nothing” to help the Ukrainian people during the crisis. 

Joe, who is retired but coaches at Sale Judo Club and has lived in Sale for 32 years, initially volunteered at a refugee centre on the Ukraine-Poland border. While doing so, he recognised other ways to support the locals in need, resulting in this successful GoFundMe campaign.

Thanks to the generosity of the public’s donations, Joe and his family have helped to raise over £50,000 so far, which has since been used to buy two ambulances and a supplies van. 

The van will enable volunteers to get much-needed supplies to distribution points in Ukraine. 

Joe, who left his home in Sale to volunteer to help the people of Ukraine, said: “The ambulances are a legacy. As we speak, they are saving lives and that’s incredible to think about. The van will be used to get medical supplies and food to the people in need.”

Despite raising this incredible amount of money, Joe isn’t resting on his success, “I’m currently coordinating with a food charity in Belfast to get food and medical supplies over to Poland, to be distributed in Ukraine. I just felt compelled to get up and do something and I haven’t really stopped since.” 

“I think the fundraiser has gone so well because people know that their donations are going directly to the cause; it isn’t spent on admin fees,” continued Joe. 

“People’s donations are respected and spent wisely.” 

With the GoFundMe campaign still accepting much-needed contributions, local schools including Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Primary School in Urmston, are hosting bake sales to raise funds. All further donations will go to providing more food and medical supplies for those who remain in Ukraine and have been directly affected by the conflict. If you’re able to make a donation, please visit the GoFundMe donation page.

Tales for Ukraine

This local event, organised by Sharon Richards, is an afternoon of stories and songs in aid of Ukraine. 

Taking place on Saturday 18th June at 2pm at Fiona Gardens, 29 Atkinson Rd, Sale M33 6FZ, tickets are just £5 and all money raised will go directly to the Ukraine fundraiser. Book your tickets today, call Sharon Richards on 07854 227 805.