The money has been raised by Builders Merchant Federation members and customers in a rallying cry to help those affected by the Russian invasion.

The Builders Merchants Federation’s call to its members and their customers to support the Ukraine crisis has been answered in some style – with £38,977 of its updated target £40,000 raised.

The BMF, which represents 770 merchant and supplier companies across the UK, set up a Just Giving page days after the conflict started and as of today (Monday 4 April) 83 supporters have pledged funds.

Donations have come in all shapes and sizes with some amounting to thousands and others a few pounds raised from small events.

BMF Chief Executive Officer, John Newcomb, has been co-ordinating a pan-European approach, calling for support from the building materials industry across the Continent.

Newcomb put out the appeal in his position as President of UFEMAT, the international trade body for the building materials industry in Europe, keeping in touch with his industry representative in Kyiv, to establish what is needed to help.

“Once again I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our amazing industry," he said. "Despite the first hand reports received from my Ufemat colleague, Konstantin Salli, who remains in Ukraine, we can only imagine the impact of the war on those living through the devastation as well as for those forced to flee for their safety.  

“I am hoping we will hear more from Konstantin before the Ufemat conference, which we are holding here in London later this month. I know he will be amazed by the response of the building materials industry in the UK. Thank you all for your support.”

The BMF has carefully selected a charity in Coventry, Feed The Hungry, which has the capability to ensure much needed warm clothing and other essential items reach the right people. Feed the Hungry has dedicated warehousing facilities, logistics into Romania and Poland, and years of experience in delivering vital aid. 

The charity has already transported 50 tonnes of items to two warehouses in Poland and Romania, which has been distributed out to centres and community groups helping refugees from Ukraine. 

The charity is currently collating a shipment of thermal clothing, bedding, torches, lamps and first aid kits, toiletries, baby items, household items and food, including tinned and jarred goods, dry foods, cereals.

Anyone who wishes to donate any items can send them to BMF Head Office, 1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Coventry, West Midlands CV5 6UB. The BMF will then ensure they are delivered to Feed The Hungry and transported directly to refugees in Eastern Europe.

Anyone who would prefer to donate money can via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/builders-merchants-federation-ltd

  • £10 could provide essential hygiene supplies for one person for one month 
  • £20 could provide emergency food for one person for one month
  • £50 could provide blankets for four families to keep them warm
  • £80 could provide essential hygiene supplies for eight people for one month 
  • £100 could provide emergency food to a family of five for one month 
  • £300 could provide blankets for 24 families to keep them warm

To keep up to date with the latest news and developments visit the dedicated area on its website www.bmf.org.uk/Ukraine_Appeal