Ukrainian retailers offer customers to donate bonuses for armored vehicles for AFU

The Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation and Ukrainian retail companies are launching a joint fundraiser to purchase armored vehicles for the Ukrainian army.

Customers of partner companies can contribute by donating their bonuses, Rubryka reports.

What is the problem?

Ukrainian combat medics always stress the importance of timely first aid and stabilization to the wounded. If a soldier is evacuated in time, there are higher chances to save their life even if they are seriously injured. 

To make evacuation faster and safer, the medics need armored vehicles.

What is the solution?

Ukrainian businesses and their customers unite to support the Ukrainian forces by turning bonuses collected through reward systems into donations for the Bonus Armor fundraising campaign. 

Clients of eight companies can now donate the bonuses to purchase six FV-432 tracked armored personnel carriers and 16 armored Snatch Land Rover SUVs, which will be delivered to the Ukrainian soldiers as medical evacuation vehicles.

How does it work?

The key idea is that donors will not send money during October but bonus points accumulated in retail systems. Anyone with bonuses from loyalty programs can turn them into reliable armor for the Ukrainian military.

Companies participating in the project are WOG, ALLO, ARGO, Fora, Silpo, Antoshka, Podorozhnyk Pharmacy, and EVA. 

Why do medics need armored vehicles?

1. Faster first aid. The vehicle was medical equipment to provide aid during tactical evacuation.
2. Evacuation of the wounded. The immediate evacuation of the wounded from the front line to stabilization points or hospitals is critical for saving lives.
3. Protection of medics and the wounded. The armor provides protection against bullets and projectiles that threaten the lives of the wounded and medics.
4. Mobility in providing assistance. Armored vehicles' protection allows you to assist the wounded directly while driving.

"Unlike the enemy, we care about saving the lives of our people," volunteer Serhii Prytula said. "And if we can protect them, we do it."

Prytula added that donating was very simple. 

"You fill up your car's gas tank, buy food, hygiene products, equipment, medicine, clothes, or a toy for your child. You can also buy armor for the defense forces. Send your bonuses to save our soldiers!" he said.

Customers can transfer bonuses at the cash register of stores (Antoshka, EVA, ARGO), in company apps (ALLO, Silpo, Fora, WOG, EVA), and Viber bot (Podorozhnyk). Instructions can be found on the resources of the fund and companies. The Prytula Fund will purchase and organize transport logistics and carry out technical training.

Rubryka reported that in July, volunteer Serhii Prytula sold a map that belonged to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov for ₴14 million ($381000) at an auction.

The money was directed to the Detect and Destroy fundraiser for five EOS C VTOL unmanned aerial complexes for the special assault forces.

At another auction, Prytula also sold a painting by Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko, using the proceeds to buy 125 buses for the army.

Also, the volunteer sold the cup of the Eurovision winners from Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra, and the pink bucket hat of the band's soloist. These funds turned into a PD-2 UAV complex for the Ukrainian marines.