(MENAFN) Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has committed to donating USD3.25 million to buy 15 ambulances for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion. The news was reported by Reuters, citing an email from investor Whitney Tilson, a member of the advisory board of Ackman's charity, Pershing Square Foundation.

Tilson has been leading a fundraising campaign to purchase ambulances for Ukraine, which will be operated by the humanitarian aid organization MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), based in Malta. The ambulances are expected to help transport injured Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from the frontlines to medical facilities.

"I had breakfast with my college buddy Bill Ackman this morning, walked him through the attached slide deck I put together about my ambulances-for-Ukraine mission, and on the spot he agreed to donate USD3.25 million," wrote Tilson in the email, which was dated February 25.

Ackman's donation will cover the purchase of 15 Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser ambulances, which are specially equipped for medical use on the front lines. The Land Cruisers cost around USD116,000 each and come with an extended roof that allows medical personnel to stand up as they treat patients.

Ackman, whose great-grandfather emigrated from Ukraine to the United States, has an estimated net worth of USD3.5 billion according to Forbes. He and his wife, Neri Oxman, have committed to donating the majority of their fortune to various causes, including medical research and relief efforts for Haiti and Harvard University's crew team.

This donation from Ackman is expected to provide much-needed assistance to Ukraine as it faces ongoing military aggression from Russia. The ambulances will help to ensure that those injured in the conflict receive timely medical attention and care.

MENAFN28022023000045014228ID1105669422