Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) collected more than 32,750 euro in support of Ukraine in July and August

In July and August this year, residents of Latvia donated more than 32,750 euro to support Ukraine through RVMs. The donated amount will be directed to the charity association “Tavi Draugi” for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Thanks to these donations, the organization will be able to send six trucks and about twenty minibuses to Ukraine with items needed by Ukrainian civilians and the army.

As part of the donation initiative “Donate Your Deposit,” organized by SIA “Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators” and the charity organization Ziedot.lv, from July until the end of the year, residents across Latvia can deposit their beverage packaging in RVMs and choose to donate the accumulated funds to support Ukraine. In July this year, 17,036.90 euro were donated to Ukraine through RVMs, and in August, an additional 15,722.20 euros.

Since February 2022, the association “Tavi Draugi” has sent humanitarian aid worth approximately seven million euro to Ukraine. Humanitarian aid is provided thanks to donors, based on requests from Ukrainian charity organizations and military units. The association’s representatives prepare all the necessary documentation and deliver the shipments to Ukraine, either directly or through partner organizations. Recipients of the humanitarian aid include civilians, including Ukrainians evacuated from occupied territories, hospitals, including military hospitals treating wounded soldiers, and units of the Ukrainian army.

Delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine, especially to areas where it is most needed, is a complex, time-consuming, costly, and dangerous process. There are many needs, and they change seasonally and depending on the course of the war. No shipment is sent to Ukraine without careful planning, and the deliveries are eagerly awaited throughout Ukraine, especially on the front lines.

Ulvis Noviks, head of the association “Tavi Draugi”, expressed gratitude to every Latvian resident for their support: “As the full-scale war in Ukraine continues, the needs of civilians and defenders of Ukraine remain high – help is needed every day. There is always a shortage of funds to cover transportation costs, so we appreciate every cent donated through the deposit system. Each month, the amount donated through RVMs enables the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine via three trucks and approximately ten minibuses.”

“The deposit system has not only improved environmental cleanliness but has also served as an accessible and convenient platform for residents to donate money to charity. RVMs allow donations for four charitable purposes in total, and our observations show that the largest amount is currently being donated in support of Ukraine. This reflects people’s desire to help and to address not only local but also global issues. Therefore, we thank every system user who does not remain indifferent and donates, because together we can collect a significant amount, which is then converted into real, practical aid for Ukraine,” said Miks Stūrītis, Chairman of the Board of SIA Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators.