300 cubic meters of relief supplies are on their way
Created: 03/03/2022, 06:00
By: Wolfgang Krzizok
Ready for action: Shortly before leaving for Poland, drivers and helpers gathered for a photo.
© Wolfgang Krzizok
Around 20 vehicles left Eichenried on Wednesday to bring urgently needed relief supplies to the Ukraine.
Eichenried – In the aid convoy there is also a coach with a dozen reporters from different media.
On the way back, the bus should be filled with refugees if possible.
It was all organized by the helper pig association, under the leadership of Harry Hoyler and Markus Langer.
"Actually, it was Markus' idea that we had to help," says Hoyler.
After various calls, the helpers were overwhelmed by donations.
Comedian Langer set off from Ingolstadt in the morning with 20 vehicles heading east, starting in Eichenried around noon.
Among other things, five trucks filled to the brim with groceries are on their way, as well as a 40-ton truck that the Damböck stand construction company has made available free of charge.
"We've been working practically non-stop since Saturday," says Hoyler, who looks pretty tired.
He adds with a laugh: "Since then, I've gotten two and a half hours of sleep every day - during the day because at night I had to answer Whatsapps and emails." He is overwhelmed by the willingness to donate and help.
Around 300 cubic meters of relief goods have been loaded, around 200 cubic meters are still in the hall and are to be brought to the Ukraine soon.
Around 30,000 euros were received in monetary donations, and a transfer of 100 euros was even received from the USA.
Hoyler tells - visibly moved - the story of a man from Lower Bavaria who called him.
"He said he's bringing over a horse trailer that he normally drives his show horses in, packed with supplies.
And then he told me he would also give me a bit of diesel money, if 6000 euros would be okay.
I was speechless – and that's very rare.” Then his cell phone rings again.
"It's insane.
After one call, I have three missed calls and four Whatsapps," he says, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, helpers tirelessly load the vehicles that companies provide free of charge.
Roland Hefter looks contentedly at the loading area of a fully loaded transporter that he received from a specialist.
"Of course I'll go with you," says the Munich singer-songwriter and SPD city councilor before closing the doors.
A matter close to the heart: The Munich singer-songwriter and city councilor Roland Hefter is also there.
© Wolfgang Krzizok
Armin Landshammer uses a forklift to heave pallets of drinks worth a few thousand euros, donated by alpha, into a vehicle.
Erdinger has also been helping for days and is part of the convoy.
At the same time, Olaf Breil is out on the farm making sure his vehicles are ready.
"We at Trisport Erding rented two Sprinters and filled them with donations in kind," he says proudly.
He too will accompany the convoy.
Just like Stefan Alberts.
He came with a van and says in broadest Saxon: "My boss told me last night that I should drive here." His boss is the owner of Chemnitzer Wurstspezialitaten GmbH and sent his employees to Eichenried in a van full of sausages.
"And I'm supposed to hand that over," he says mischievously and puts 400 euros in Hoyler's hand.
He can hardly catch his breath.
Again and again "Harry" calls can be heard across the square, he rushes from one interview to the next and in between has to check on his wife Elena, who is lying in bed and resting before leaving.
"She's banged up, she's outdone herself," notes Harry Hoyler appreciatively.
"She recently called day and night and organized everything." She is very worried about her family in Ukraine.
At least she found out that her sister and her child are now safe in Poland.
The convoy's destination is a few kilometers from the Polish-Ukrainian border.
Ukrainian trucks are supposed to pick up the goods there.
Does he anticipate problems?
"I don't know," Harry Hoyler says, shrugging.
"We'll let that come to us."
convoy march!
A total of 40 vehicles left yesterday from several locations - many from Eichenried.
© Wolfgang Krzizok
Before the last vehicles and the bus leave, District Dean Michael Bayer appears.
He was very happy that he had been called to give the helpers God's blessing on their journey.
"I take my hat off to everyone who gave something," says the pastor.
"A Vergelt's Gott from my side too."
After a prayer for peace, in which he mainly includes the people in Ukraine, and a common Lord's Prayer, Bayer sends the helpers on the journey: "Have a safe journey, God's blessings - and come back healthy."