The Vest Project continues its fundraising efforts

The Vest Project in North Bay has raised over $85,000 in just nine months, with all the money going towards buying protective equipment for those on the front lines in Ukraine.

"The money goes towards holistic vests that are more than at least a level five to handle the impact that they suffer, we buy night vision goggles, helmets, drones, we've had to buy petro to have our stuff delivered," said Condor D'agastino, co-founder of the project.

While D'agastino said she never imagined The Vest Project would exist for this long, she told CTV News the need is there now more than ever.

"The need is greater than it was before because they are having to outfit more soldiers," she said.

"They are currently at about 1.2 million people serving and they expect the numbers to go up to five million. So, the more people the more they need to get outfitted."

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The project held its ‘Day for Ukraine’ fundraiser at Orchard’s Fresh Food Market on Saturday.

So far, fundraising efforts have only happened in the North Bay-area but on Jan. 21, The Vest Project will be at Smith's Market locations in Greater Sudbury collecting donations.

For more information on the project, visit their Facebook page.