For the past 10 years, Crosscause Charity has been organizing the Winter Aid Truck initiative, focusing on supporting poor families and elderly, isolated individuals in the Galati region one of the poorest in Romania. We provide essential long-lasting food, hygiene products, and winter clothes to those in need. Our collection period runs from late September to early November, after which trucks are sent to Nicoresti. There, our Romanian volunteers, led by Ionel Melinte our project manager, ensure that the aid reaches local villagers and surrounding communities. We personally know the people who receive our help, and Ionel works tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind.

While the Winter Aid Truck is primarily focused on the winter months, our support continues year-round, ensuring families and elderly individuals receive ongoing assistance.

The Role of BM Transport

For several years, BM Transport Ltd., a family-owned road haulage company based in Newbliss, Co. Monaghan, has played a crucial role in our efforts. Darren Murphy, along with Glen, Ronan, and Barry (our unofficial “transport manager” ), have been instrumental in making this project a success. They generously handle the logistics, transportation, trucks, drivers, fuel, and delivery costs. In the last three years, they have even taken on organizing donations for two or three full trucks. Their partnership has been extraordinary, and we are proud to have them as part of our team.

Expanding to Ukraine

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, our Romanian project has also served as a hub for aid heading into Ukraine. Part of the Winter Aid Truck’s supplies have been sent directly into war zones. We’ve expanded our collection efforts to include items like mattresses, sleeping bags, generators, and medical first-aid supplies to support those affected by the conflict.

Corporate Support

Local businesses play a vital role in our project. We are fortunate to have long-standing support from companies like Hickeys Home Farm, Bohernamoe, Ardee, Tesco Dundalk, Value Centre Wholesale & Cash & Carry Dundalk, and Newcel Paper Converters Limited, Warrenpoint, who have generously donated pallets of goods over the past 10 years. This year, we are excited to welcome Johnson & Johnson, who have contributed three pallets of hygiene products for distribution in this year’s Winter Aid.

Each October and November, we focus on gathering:

• Long-lasting food: Potatoes, rice, porridge, pasta, lentils, beans, canned vegetables, and canned meats.
• Hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, wet wipes, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products.
• Medical and Care Supplies: Nappies, bandages, dressings, first-aid kits, pain relievers, antiseptics, and hand sanitizers.

Your contributions can make a huge difference to families facing harsh winter conditions in Romania and Ukraine.

• Corporate Donations: If you know of a company that could donate essential items, please reach out to them and inform them about our project.
• Volunteer: In early November, we need volunteers to help sort, pack, and load goods onto trucks, or assist in collecting donations.
• Donate: If you’re passionate about our work, consider donating goods from our list or make a financial donation using the “Donate” button at the top of the page.
• Spread the Word: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Every like, share, and comment helps to raise awareness about our cause.