Maine businesses band with retailers in Ukraine to send critically needed supplies
Photo / Jessica Hall
Maine businesses are supporting the people of Ukraine in a variety of ways. In Damariscotta, Maine-ly Pawn shows its colors.
Two Maine business groups have launched an effort to collect needed goods from the state's retailers, tourism and hospitality businesses, and residents for delivery to the people of Ukraine.
“From Maine to Ukraine,” organized by the Retail Association of Maine and the Maine Tourism Association, is collaborating with the Association of Retailers of Ukraine to deliver food, clothing and other relief to residents of the war-stricken country.
“We are all horrified and disturbed by the war in Ukraine and we were moved to try to help. I reached out to my counterparts at the Association of Retailers of Ukraine, and they have asked for help in the form of food and clothing,” said Curtis Picard, president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine. “Our retailers can help provide the clothing, but we are asking Mainers for donations of shelf stable food and household goods.”
Picard said that he contacted his retail association counterpart in Ukraine and after a few emails they determined what was most needed and how to get it to the people in need.
While clothing is being donated by members of the Retail Association of Maine, Maine residents are asked to contribute needed items including canned meat, energy bars, tea bags, candies, instant coffee, condensed milk, pet food, bars of soap, and dishes made of metal or hard plastic.
The Maine Tourism Association will be accepting donations at all seven Maine Visitor Information Centers through April 1. The goods will be consolidated at a Maine warehouse and shipped to a location in Poland near the Ukraine border, where a Ukrainian retailer has a facility for distribution inside the country.
“Many of us have wondered ‘How can I help?’" said Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. “We have seen how strong and united the Ukrainian spirit is and this is our chance, as Mainers, to show our support. We have the ability and opportunity to make a difference.”
Among the Maine businesses already chipping in, L.L.Bean Inc. has given about $300,000 in corporate money, employee donations and products. Loyal Biscuit Co. is collecting donations at its seven locations, in Bath, Brewer, Belfast, Hallowell, Rockland, Rockport and Waterville. Old Port Candy Co. and Old Port Card Works in Portland, Union Farm Equipment Inc. in Union, and the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport also are collecting goods, Picard said.
Donations in the form of checks can also be sent to the Maine Business Education Partnership/Ukraine, 45 Melville St., Augusta, ME 04330. All contributions will go to the Ukraine relief program.
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