News

Local organisations join together to show support for Ukraine

3/3/2022

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and local freight carrier Island Express have partnered up to send essential supplies to Ukraine.

Manx Support for Refugees has organised collections for supplies kindly donated by Manx residents. These will be distributed in Poland to refugees from Ukraine who have been displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

Isle of Man based-company Island Express has worked with Manx Support for Refugees to pack an articulated trailer full of supplies, which the Isle of Man Steam Packet company agreed to ship on Ben-my-Chree last night (2nd March), and a further on this evening’s crossing, free of charge.

Jenny Baker, on behalf of Manx Support for Refugees, said: ‘We have been overwhelmed with the support from the Manx public shown for the crisis in Ukraine. The supplies will go to UK charity Merseyside Refugee Support Network, and then transported to Poland. We are expecting the goods to reach those in need by Sunday… the sooner the better.’

Managing Director of Island Express Richard Quayle added: ‘Thanks to the awareness raised by Manx Support for Refugees the number of supplies that have been donated is phenomenal. We’re thankful to Express Parcel Services who, thanks to the number of donations and short turnaround required, are helping us with onward transport in the UK.’

Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, concluded: ‘The scenes we are seeing coming from Ukraine right now are truly heart breaking. It’s powerful to see the immediate response from Manx public to help as global citizens. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is pleased partner with local organisations to be able to do our bit to support those in need'.