As per their agreement, Independent Retail Europe and the Association of Retailers of Ukraine (RAU) have invited our members to pledge aid in assistance of the Ukraine people. A first list of directly needed grocery products was sent to the members in March; another list was sent on 22 April. Members are kindly asked to contribute to the agreement. Members are also invited to communicate any other aid efforts they undertake to the Independent Retail Europe secretariat for display on our dedicated website, to demonstrate retailers’ active role in support of the Ukrainian people. Furthermore, members are asked to create or report employment schemes for Ukrainian refugees.
On 8 March 2022, the Board members of Independent Retail Europe and the Association of Retailers of Ukraine came to an agreement for the dissemination of aid to the Ukraine. According to the agreement, members of Independent Retail Europe would seek to match requests for aid from the RAU. The RAU would assist with the paperwork for the importation of the products into Ukraine and the import and distribution across the country. SPAR International put its logistical hub in Poland at the disposal of the members for transfer onto RAU members’ trucks. Pledges of aid may be communicated to our secretariat that will ensure that you are assisted with the organisation of the logistics for export to Ukraine.
At the meeting, all members reported on aid initiatives that they had already undertaken, and they would remain free to contribute aid in any other manner they saw fit, although we would appreciate it if this agreement would be a success, with a view to future membership of the RAU.
Members also agreed to look into and communicate any assistance with jobs provision to refugees, in their organisations, the retail sector or in other sectors. Members reported different schemes, which were communicated by our secretariat to the RAU, in order for them to communicate them to refugees, particularly those with experience in the retail sector.
The logistical support offered by SPAR International and the RAU will be included in the EU Commission’s Cluster Initiatives for Support to Ukraine, to enable other operators to benefit from it.
