LKQ recognised by Embassy of Ukraine for aid efforts

A delegation from the Embassy of Ukraine joined Rachel Taylor MP and Sarah Edwards MP at LKQ UK & Ireland’s Tamworth headquarters, to recognise the company’s efforts in donating and delivering aid to Ukraine.

LKQ, which is the UK’s leading distributor of vehicle parts and accessories, welcomed the VIP guests to its central logistics hub at Birch Coppice Business Park – with Eduard Fesko, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Ukraine among the delegation.

The visitors were introduced to employees that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to raise funds and to deliver aid to the country. LKQ Demand Planner Dawid Kozlowski co-ordinated the delivery of more than 200 tonnes of aid since the war broke out in 2022, including 34 ambulances and more than £6,000 worth of prescription medicine.

Dawid also led LKQ UK & Ireland’s efforts to send more than 1,000 Christmas presents to children across nine Ukrainian cities, with each one specifically purchased and sent in response to a request from an individual child. Dawid was recognised with a Volunteer Award at 2023’s BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards.

Richard Morgan, executive board adviser at LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Ukrainian Deputy Ambassador and local MPs to our Tamworth HQ to reflect on our colleagues’ extraordinary efforts to support those in Ukraine who are desperately in need.

“The conflict in Ukraine has been a cause close to the hearts of many of our people. It’s been amazing to see colleagues from all over the country come together and make a real difference. Some have driven ambulances full of aid and handed them over to our colleagues in LKQ Elit who have ensured they are delivered to those most in need.

“From providing aid relief to Ukraine to supporting our industry charity BEN and local community sports teams, we’re committed as a business to give colleagues the opportunity to support causes that are important to them.”

Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said: “I’m bowled over by the generosity of everyone at LKQ Euro Car Parts, who have pulled out all the stops to ease the terrible suffering experienced by the people of Ukraine. I’m proud to know that it was a hand of friendship extended from right here in North Warwickshire that delivered 34 ambulances, 200 tonnes of aid, and more than 1000 Christmas presents to Kyiv and beyond.”

Eduard Fesko, Ukrainian Deputy Ambassador to the UK, said: “The response from the UK public to help Ukrainian in the wake of the Russian invasion has been nothing short of extraordinary. The assistance that was provided not only saved numerous lives but also served as a moral boost for the Ukrainian people, who know that they are not alone in this fight. We are forever grateful to management and staff of the LKQ UK & Ireland and communities in Tamworth and Leamington Spa for engaging early with the humanitarian effort and carrying on delivering aid to people in need as the war approaches its third winter.”

LKQ recently completed its second annual business-wide Summer of FUNdraising - an action packed few weeks where colleagues came together to support the causes they care about.  

This year, a team of colleagues drove an ambulance the length and breadth of the 280-strong LKQ Euro Car Parts branch network in a sponsored effort to raise money and spread awareness. More than £140,000 has been raised for charities - including the Ukraine relief effort - across the last two years.