WIXOM (WWJ) - One Metro-Detroit trucking company partly made up of Ukrainian-Americans is offering support to their fellow countrymen by stocking up and sending supplies needed to fight off invading Russian forces in Eastern Europe.
Vitaliy Shoul, 24, said he and other Ukrainian employees and drivers from his Wixom logistics company are buying up bullet proof vests and emergency medical kits to send over to citizens who are fighting for Ukraine's independence.
"The first shipment actually went out yesterday from Warren," Shoul explained to WWJ's Mike Campbell. "Shipped it out to New Jersey. Then from New Jersey, a plane takes it to Poland; from Poland, we have Ukrainians that come and redistribute all that gear around Ukraine, wherever people need help the most."
Shoul is Ukrainian born and came to the United States when he was six years old. He said he and other Ukrainian-Americans were spurred to action knowing their extended friends and family, along with fellow Ukrainians, women and children, are being bombed.
"We got together... and everyone pitched in what they could," Shoul said of himself and other drivers. "Today, which we started collecting money a couple of days ago, but were up to $22,000."
Shoul said they've so far spent over $11,000 to ship the supplies over, which include bullet proof vests, plates and medical emergency kits. While the group wants to send machinery and weaponry, Shoul said that shipping that kind of equipment is not permitted at this time.
The group has been scouring local gun shops in the mean time, like Huron Valley Guns in New Hudson.
"When we first came in, I said 'we're looking at some vests, we're looking for bullet proof plates,'" said Shoul.
When an employee walked Shoul over to the items he was looking for, all he said was "we'll take it all."
Shoul said he isn't interested in politics and his primary concern is for the citizens of Ukraine; he invites others in the community to help with their efforts.
Funds and supplies, which will be collected across multiple events, are being organized by the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Warren. You can click here for more information.
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