- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Through a strong collaboration between the Ålesund Business Association and Fritt Ukraina, the local business community has raised nearly 1.5 million Norwegian kroner (USD 145,000). This funding has made it possible to send the first boat, a fully renovated and well-equipped 25-foot aluminum vessel, to the Ukrainian Navy.
Heidi Nakken, CEO of the Ålesund Business Association, said:
“First and foremost, we want to support the soldiers fighting our shared battle in Ukraine. At the same time, we want to show the local Ukrainian community here in our region that we care. We hope they will experience this fundraising campaign as a warm embrace from both the local business community and the people of Ålesund.”
The first boat is ready to depart
The 25-foot aluminum boat, purchased used and completely renovated by Farvan, has been upgraded with radar, navigation technology, a targa bar, and other customizations requested by the Ukrainian Navy for rescue operations, preparedness, and patrol missions.
Before departure, the boat will also be filled with equipment from reliable local suppliers:
Warm woolen clothing from Devold (e.g., wool layers valued at several thousand NOK / tens to hundreds of USD)
Life jackets and survival suits from Aalesund Protective Wear
Additionally, the boat will carry several critical items from the Ukrainian Navy’s priority list, including fenders, shackles, thermal underwear, and tablets.
Send-off event on 15 December – join us in wishing the boat well
On Monday, 15 December at 18:00, we invite everyone to a farewell and support event at Kulturhavna in Ålesund to send the boat off.
The event will feature speeches, Ukrainian Christmas songs performed by FUKI, and the serving of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. The event is organized by the Ålesund Business Association, Ålesund Municipality, Fritt Ukraina, and several local contributors.
Fritt Ukraina will ensure the boat is safely delivered to its destination in Ukraine.
Read more about the event here
Boat number two is next
With the first boat now ready, efforts are moving forward to fund and equip boat number two. The needs are substantial, and Ålesund’s community involvement has shown that the region can act quickly and effectively.
To fund the next boat, equip it with necessary supplies, and ensure it is prepared as efficiently as the first one, both businesses and individuals are invited to contribute via the fundraising platform Spleisen.
You can support the project with:
- 500 NOK (about USD 49) – wool base layers
- 5 000 NOK (about USD 490) – survival suit
- Any amount of your choice
Find the fundraising platform here.