Hunts encouraged to donate to Ukraine fundraising auction

A group of volunteers drawn together from the equestrian world who are raising vital funds through an online auction to assist them with delivering resources and helping the people of Ukraine, are encouraging hunts to donate a day's hunting for the 2022/23 season to assist with the fundraising effort.

There are already a number of hunting lots up for grabs, including days with the Fife foxhounds, the South Notts and a number of bloodhound packs, however, other hunts are being urged to offer a day out following their hounds or perhaps a tour of their kennels.

Jennie Dunning from the fundraising organisation told the Countryside Alliance: "Our work is purely organised by volunteers to ensure the Ukrainian people get the benefit of everything we raise. Our team consists of a diverse range of people from the worlds of farriery, show jumping, eventing, racing, haulage, journalism, marketing and customs to name just a few, as well as members of the hunting community, of course."

"We would love to add some further hunting opportunities to the already exciting list of lots up for grabs," she continued. "It's very important to us that all our supporters see exactly where their aid, money and hard work is going so we encourage people to follow our Facebook page if they wish to learn more."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance acknowledged: "A number of hunts have already made significant contributions to the plight of those suffering in Ukraine, but for those who have been uncertain how to donate or where best to channel their fundraising efforts, this auction provides an ideal opportunity for a straightforward donation which can offer prospective bidders the chance to follow their hounds across country next season."

With the conflict between Ukraine and Russian continuing, the provision of aid and supplies remains vital. Drivers from Ukraine Equestrian Relief have recently returned from their second trip to Poland where 13.5 tones of humanitarian, medical and veterinary aid was dropped at aid and refugee centres with the supplies then being taken into Ukraine.

Hunts wishing to donate a lot to the auction, which closes on 1st June, should contact Danielle Salt: [email protected]

The auction lots can be viewed here