Ukraine Aid: Solidarity and Muscle Power

On some days it took more than ten hours for the volunteers of the Ukraine Relief Action to sort and pack. The helpers have set up an entire sorting line - and have become more professional every day. The commitment shown by the Bayreuth volunteers is not at all self-evident. "I just wanted to drop something off quickly," says Korbinian von der Burg. "And then all of a sudden I was there every afternoon after work and helped out.

Many people felt the same way as Korbinian von der Burg. Those who came to help once usually came again. "You could tell that many people wanted to help, but didn't know how," says von der Burg. "People dropped by spontaneously or decided in the morning to drive a sprinter in the evening."

Donations in kind came from the entire population. First came a lot of clothing, then the focus was on hygiene articles, baby food and medicines. The vehicles that were loaded and sent out were provided by companies and private individuals.

In total, the student-private initiative sent 31 fully loaded vehicles to the Poland-Ukraine border region. Together with Bayreuth Hospital, a 40-tonne truck was also loaded with medical equipment and beds. Ralf Gregor drove this 40-tonne truck. "The preparation of the relief supplies and also the handover were top-notch," he says looking back. "The people were super friendly and there were really a lot of students there who helped out well." He was also impressed by the clearance in Poland. "Everything was really well organised."

Nicolai Teufel, among others, was responsible for ensuring that the goods reached the right destination. Together with eight students, he organised the relief goods campaign and established the local contacts.