In 2022 I was shocked to see a news report of a Russian cruise missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia - a town of no military importance (pictured). Among the buildings destroyed was a coffee shop I frequented in the 1990s with my then girlfriend. A 4 year old child with Down's Syndrome (a charity we supported for many years) was amongst those slain.
As an American living in Europe I am ashamed and disgusted at how the current USA regime is turning their back on Ukraine and trying to flip the reality of an unprovoked invasion by a greedy and unscrupulous neighbour.
In our small way we would like to help, and ask our enlightened clients and partners to join us.
In April, our long time friend, Irish freelance journalist, and frequent contributor to our welcome dinners at events world wide Simon Patterson will be driving to Ukraine with medical supplies and ambulances. We are proud to sponsor this drive with the direct cash and a commitment to help raise money for the cause.
He is also holding a raffle with unique MotoGP goods as prizes (many donated by Dorna Sports).
On Friday 18/Jul at the Brno MotoGP, we will be hold a special event with drinks, riders, charity action and (optionally) dinner in Brno centre.
Here is how you can help:
1/ Support Simon's drive directly - Racing for Ukraine.
For more on this see linktr.ee/racingforukraine
From that page you can donate directly or purchase a raffle ticket.
2/ Attend our charity event Friday at Brno, from 18:30 at the Hotel Continental Downtown Brno.
Your entry price includes drinks and the charity programme & auction; meet & greet with several riders and of course a talk from Simon himself. We will donate £35 of each entry to Simon's charity, and of course we hope you spend a bundle on the cool merchandise and experiences offered! There is an optional dinner following where you can share more with Simon and friends as well as fellow enthusiasts.
[n.b. this event and dinner is INCLUDED with our packages]
We will also be holding another raffle, to be awarded on the night.
3/ Be a virtual participant.
If you can't attend the dinner, you may still send us a donation, and you will be able to participate in the auction remotely and purchase raffle tickets; as well as get a thankful shout out!
See link below for our Brno dinner & virtual participation.
n.b. for more on the Vinnytsia attack see www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62181726
In his last trip, Simon purchases generators and other gear in Odessa
Simon and team are forced to lurk in a soviet-era bomb shelter after air raid warnings in Vinnytsia
Delivering the goods
We hope you can join us and support this vital cause!
See more