UKRAINE. The Moodie Davitt Report is proud to launch Travel Retail United – part of our commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine at a time when millions are displaced because of the Russian invasion of their country.
It is a strictly humanitarian rather than political project. We have been generously supported by individuals and companies involved in the travel retail industry worldwide.
However, instead of traditional advertising, donors have had the option to provide an appropriately humanitarian or peace-related message. Some have done precisely that while others have chosen to simply have their name listed in the publication or to donate anonymously.
Besides our own donation and that of our team members (The Moodie Davitt Report is also matching any staff contributions), we are absorbing all freelance design, distribution and other costs. Every cent raised is going to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in association with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Donations will help Ukrainian families with food, water, hygiene items and other vital supplies.
As we note in the foreword, travel retail is a global community, part of the wider aviation, tourism and travel sectors that bring our world together in so many beautiful ways. Sectors that foster greater human understanding of other cultures, tastes, traditions, history and heritage. Such appreciation is critical to creating a better, more peaceful world. The atrocities and humanitarian catastrophe that are being played out in Ukraine represent the antithesis of such values.
We must hope that this futile, tragic and disastrous war will soon come to an end and that the unimaginable suffering of the Ukrainian people, whether refugees or still in the country, will not be prolonged. But hope does not help nor feed the dispossessed. Travel Retail United is a modest but important initiative to bring practical support at a time when it is needed so desperately.
*Note: Individuals and companies can still contribute to the industry fund-raising drive through a recently launched Just Giving page, which can be accessed at this link. Donations of any amount are welcome.
