Leading automation components supplier EU Automation has started a donation campaign for Ukrainian refugees sheltering in Poland. The Play Your Part campaign, championed by the multinational team at EU Automation, is going to provide refugees fleeing from war with basic necessities, which they desperately need.
EU Automation has offices on three continents – Europe, Asia and North America – and a very diverse workforce with more than 20 languages spoken in-house. The company also serves customers in over 166 countries by delivering automation components in the shortest time possible. This multicultural and diverse environment motivated the company to help Ukrainian refugees who fled the war to neighbouring Poland.
On the 24th of February, Russia launched a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, with military action unfolding rapidly. As of now, almost 3 million Ukrainians have left the country, with as many as 1.5 million being displaced in Poland. Despite local mobilisation of government agencies and volunteers, more help is needed to ensure all refugees have their needs met.
“As a truly global organisation, any form of unrest in the world is something that is always felt painfully at EU Automation through our diverse workforce,” explains Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA sales at EU Automation. “At this very difficult time, our company is hopeful for peace and stability for the people of Ukraine.”
Pawel Gnacinski, sales executive to Poland at EU Automation, was also affected by the unrest in Ukraine and decided to take action.
“Since the war in Ukraine started, I have been watching and listening to news all the time,” reflects Gnacinski. “What moved me very much was the response of people living in neighbouring countries. I loved the ‘all hands on deck’ attitude in bringing help and support to people escaping from war. ‘What could I do while living in the UK’ is a question I asked myself, which quickly escalated to what can we do. And that is pretty much how the idea of the Ukrainian appeal was born.”
In a short amount of time, employees have mobilised and contributed significantly to the cause.
“Collecting donations and providing aid to large causes is nothing new for our teams,” comments Ballinger. “But when our colleague Pawel suggested a company-wide donation run to help Ukrainians in dire situations it was a complete no brainer. Our UK offices alone comprise of many Eastern European colleagues, therefore the ongoing tragedy currently unfolding in Ukraine truly hit home for EU Automation.”
“Knowing this topic affected many of our employees due to the unrest in their neighbouring home countries, an email was sent to our people last week appealing for items and the response was overwhelming — by Tuesday we already had donations pouring into the drop off point,” continues Ballinger. “By Thursday, our pool table had to be moved due to the generosity of our teams. The collection contains all basic necessities such as toiletries, baby products and sanitary items.
EU Automation will be paying for all travel costs and arranged for donations to be collected and taken to a warehouse in Warsaw, from where they will be distributed to local charities.
The company is encouraging all businesses, regardless of size and diversity, to contribute to the unfolding war and help those in need in these desperate times. The situation in Ukraine is affecting everyone globally and requires solidarity and involvement. Are you ready to Play Your Part?
