Postmen from Watford to lead aid convoy across Eu

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Royal Mail postmen from Watford to lead aid convoy across Europe

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Two postmen from Watford will lead a convoy of Royal Mail trucks delivering toys and gifts to children in Moldova.

Dave Sims and Abdul Khalifah will drive one of ten lorries travelling across Europe, as part of an annual trip organised by the Communication Workers' Union Humanitarian Aid (CWUHA).

CWUHA has led an annual convoy to various states in eastern Europe since 1995.

Abdul, 49, from Chester Road, said: “It was the war in former Yugoslavia that prompted them to do something because of the devastation. Houses were destroyed, families ripped to pieces. They thought it would be good to get aid to those people when nobody else was.”

It was at the CWU conference last year that Dave and Abdul approached the charity about taking part – the first workers from Watford to do so.

And they will be part of the convoy when it sets off on its journey on September 3.

Dave, 51, who lives on a narrow boat on the Grand Union Canal, said: “It will be a challenge.

“We're trying to get some help from the public and businesses. We're just hoping people will be able to donate something.”

Abdul added: “I don't know what to expect [when we get out there]. People have said when they went to Bosnia it was an eye-opener.

“Here in England we have got a nice house, TV, DVD; we have got running water. There's food in the house. We have got everything we need but in places like where we're going, they haven't got the luxuries we have.”

The convoy, using vehicles donated by Royal Mail and BT, will deliver more than 2,000 tonnes of aid to hospitals, foster and adoption centres, poor families and orphanages.

Both union representatives based at the Ascot Road sorting office, Dave and Abdul are now appealing to businesses across Watford to donate stationary, toiletries, food, new clothing, furniture, children's sports equipment, bedding, prams and kitchen utensils.

Abdul said: “We're asking the people and firms of Watford to help us. There are people that have got nothing and they need help. If people want us to come and pick up items, that's fine.”

To donate items or for more information, telephone Abdul on 07833 091574, Dave on 07958 124531 or email arkhalifah@googlemail.com or shinybeest@aol.com.