'MISSION FAMILY' HOW OUR COLLEAGUES IN NITRA ARE DELIVERING A LIFELINE FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

Earlier this week, we shared a moving video showing the efforts being made by our colleagues, retailers and suppliers in Slovakia to support the Ukraine response.

Youi can watch the video by clicking here.

Colleagues from HR, Corporate Affairs, Environment & Services as well as Business Protection and Manufacturing have joined forces as part of the 'Mission Family' project group to support the safe passage of more than 500 women and children related to our colleagues working at the Nitra facility from the Ukrainian border. Russell Leslie, Operations Director at our Nitra plant said: "I'm incredibly proud of the way that the team in Nitra have responded to the needs of our colleagues and their families from all nationalities."

While our Slovakian colleagues are continuing to providing transport from the border and emergency accommodation to the Ukrainian families of our Nitra colleagues, last Monday, 19 refugees began work in our Nitra plant with recruitment underway for a further 40 positions. So far, €18,118 has been raised for the Jaguar Land Rover Endowment Fund in Pontis Foundation to support more than 500 women and children who have left Ukraine to reunite with their families working at Nitra. A further €3,600 has also been generously donated by the EU retailer team.

Gallery

The support offered by the Jaguar Land Rover Nitra team as well as their local retailer and supplier network has been far-reaching, but a summary of their efforts to date can be found below: 

• Collection of refugees at the SK/UA border, with the offer of temporary accommodation to allow refugees to be together with their families and rest before their trip to Nitra
• Cooperation with the Slovak Red Cross on the SK/UA border through providing clothing, blankets and meals
• Transport from the border to Nitra and later on to Galanta using six Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles provided by our retailers in Slovakia
• Provision of first aid kits which include clothing, shoes and sanitary items collected by Jaguar Land Rover employees and suppliers
• Financial support through the Jaguar Land Rover Endowment Fund in Pontis Foundation
• Welcome Handbook for refugees with an overview of all useful information for staying in Slovakia
• Help for refugees to register with the Foreign Police to obtain permission to stay in Slovakia
• Employment opportunities for refugees at Jaguar Land Rover
• Health care support provided by Ukrainian speaking doctors sourced by the Jaguar Land Rover team
• Psychological support provided by Ukrainian speaking experts
• Helping kids to visit local kindergartens and schools
• Cooperation with the Slovak government and local authorities to enable integration

The Slovak Speaker of Parliament, Boris Kollar, visited our Nitra plant on 7 March and acknowledged all the efforts of our local team, outlining how unique and special the support of our company has been for our employees and their families.

The assistance provided to our Ukrainian employees and their family members is a great example of strength and compassion across the whole Jaguar Land Rover family during times of adversity. As a global team our thoughts remain with our friends, colleagues and partners in Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia and beyond, who have been touched by the current events. Jaguar Land Rover's first priority is the wellbeing of our entire workforce and their loved ones, as well as those within our extended network.

To donate to the Jaguar Land Rover Endowment Fund at the Pontis Foundation, please click here. 

If you or a colleague need support, we have a wealth of resources available on our wellbeing website, or you can speak to your line manager for further resources and advice.