FIA clubs join hands to support Ukraine

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced that its member clubs have banded together to help Ukraine with the challenges the country is facing. Per the motorsport organization, its member clubs have been very reactive and have started collecting essential goods to be sent to Ukraine or to the zones welcoming refugees.

According to the FIA, the Magyar Autoklub (MAK Hungary) has called upon its members, employees, and partners to donate essential products such as hygienic products, baby care products, and non-perishable foods.

Meanwhile, Österreichischer Automobil- Motorrad - und Touring Club (ÖAMTC Austria) sent goods in the form of medical supplies, blankets, rain ponchos, hygiene, and baby articles in March. Koninklijke Nederlandse Toeristenbond (ANWB Netherlands) contributed to this effort by sending similar goods while Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC Germany) sent a donation of €10,000 or P578,938.

ADAC Germany is also involved in facilitating the transport of donated goods to Ukraine. In addition, ADAC Germany is supporting Aktion Deutschland Hilft, the alliance of German aid organizations, and published a link on its website to invite people to donate to the alliance to support Ukrainian citizens.

In Latvia, the Latvijas Automobiļu Federācija organized a collection of humanitarian aid for Ukraine in a collaboration with the country’s Embassy in Riga. In Romania, Automobil Clubul Român (ACR) branches located at the northern and eastern borders of Romania have been actively involved in various humanitarian activities, along with authorities and other non-government organizations (NGOs), assisting Ukrainian refugees in providing food, water, and other necessary goods. ACR has also offered to assist with temporarily housing refugees in its own multiple lodging properties.

The Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU) has partnered with the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (PZM) to coordinate and engage volunteer movements with FAU members.

The Auto Sport Federation of Slovenia - AŠ 2005 has opened a charity bank account to raise funds in order to help Ukrainian motorsport athletes and the ACM Moldova has opened a special bank account aiming at helping as many people in need.

The Automobile and Motorcycle Association of Slovenia (AMZS) also offered free roadside assistance on Slovenian roads to refugees from Ukraine. AMZS’ roadside assistance mechanics will, if possible, repair the vehicle at the point of failure.

The Deutscher Motor Sport Bund E.V. (DMSB) has set up a donation account to provide support to affected Ukrainian automobile and motorbike athletes and their families.

In addition, the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) is supporting the Polish situation by offering call center support to ARC Europe Poland and funding accommodation to Ukrainian refugees in the country.

Other Members provided financial support by donating to existing humanitarian organizations or by creating dedicated funds. ANWB Netherlands donated €125,000 (P7.233 million) to “Giro555,” a Dutch relief coordination organization. ACL Luxembourg made a donation to the Red Cross while the Latvijas Automobiļu Federācija (Latvia) has set up a fund where donations can be made for Ukraine.

ADAC Germany, ÖAMTC Austria, ANWB Netherlands, Automobil Clubul Roman (ACR Romania), Automobil Club Din Moldova (ACM Moldova), Autoklub Slovakia Assistance (ASA Slovakia), Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK Croatia), MAK Hungary, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Automobile Club (BIHAMK), have also agreed to help Ukrainian refugees driving by car on their territory if they need breakdown assistance.

Photos from Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)

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