BDR Thermea Group, the parent company of Baxi, has donated €500,000 to an alliance of 11 humanitarian charities, including the Red Cross, Oxfam Novib and UNICEF, to help the Ukrainian people.

A statement from the company says it is shocked by the invasion of Ukraine and strongly condemns this aggression, adding that its top priority is the safety of its employees in Ukraine, where it has a small sales and service office. The business is in constant contact with these employees and is supporting them financially, as well as with accommodation and transport as needed.

BDR Thermea Group employees in various countries have launched initiatives to support refugees and provide help. In the UK, a fundraising effort has begun at the company’s Preston site.

Bertrand Schmitt, BDR Thermea CEO, said: “We are horrified by this war and stand in solidarity with its victims: people suffering inside Ukraine, people who have fled the country, and friends and family all over the world.

“By donating, we want to play a part in helping those affected by this humanitarian tragedy.” 

Karen Boswell, UK & Ireland Managing Director, added: “We deeply sympathise with the people of Ukraine who must endure this terrible act of war in their country, as well as all those with friends and family in Ukraine and all our employees of Ukrainian descent.

“’One team’ is a core value of BDR Thermea Group and that has never been as true, relevant or urgent as it is now,”