BMF launches Ukraine Appeal to unite support from merchant industry

10 March 2022

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is calling on its members and their customers to help raise vital funds to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. The trade body has created a dedicated appeal page at www.bmf.org.uk/Ukraine_Appeal

BMF CEO, John Newcomb, is the current President of the European Federation of Building Material Distributers (UFEMAT). He is co-ordinating a pan-European campaign, calling on support from the building materials industry across the continent.

UFEMAT has also called on members to place an embargo on importing all Russian building materials until the war in Ukraine comes to an end.

Funds raised through the appeal in the UK will go to DEC, the Disasters Emergency Committee, which works with the UK’s 15 leading aid charities to provide and deliver aid.

John Newcomb said: “We have received pictures from our UFEMAT colleague in Ukraine showing the devastation affecting homes and factories, and the brutal cost of war on ordinary people. His own daughters are amongst the millions who have been forced to flee the country to safety. “In addition to emergency aid, he told us that warm clothing, such as thermal and insulated workwear, is also urgently required.

“Our members play a key role in the community and the unique nature of their work, and their stock of equipment such as workwear, puts them in a good position to help get much needed supplies over to Ukraine and we will be working with them to orchestrate a national response and get supplies to those who need them as quickly as possible.”

“In the meantime, our focus is on raising funds through our appeals pages in the UK and across Europe.

“The building materials industry is known for its generosity in supporting those in need. If you are able to make a donation, please do so at Ukraine Appeal (bmf.org.uk)“