Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine turns international to become Ukraine Relief.
Following overwhelming support from Bournemouth residents and businesses, Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine has grown to receive national and international support from the whole of the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA.
The momentous shift in support has inspired the charity to change its name to Ukraine Relief to become an ‘international army of hope’.
Launched in February 2022 by Karol Swiacki, the group quickly gathered support as residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole donated items, time, and money to help the hundreds of thousands who have been forced to leave their homes and belongings to flee the conflict in Ukraine. Donations poured into the group’s warehouses at Castlepoint, Hurn Airport and Poole. What started as a small group of 100 volunteers in Bournemouth has now become an organised international network, with hubs across the south of England, Poland and Ukraine.
Karol Swiacki comments: “What makes us so effective is our ability to get urgent aid directly to where it is most needed. For those looking for a way to support the Ukrainian people, we have a logistics network running directly from our hubs in the UK all the way to eastern Ukraine.”
Karol adds: “This started as a small group of volunteers with massive support from the people of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. It’s now grown into something international, we’ve been overwhelmed by people’s generosity, and by how quickly this has grown. We really want to thank the community in Bournemouth, as without them, we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are now, it all started with their support.” Ukraine Relief’s mission is to be the UK’s most effective Ukrainian relief effort and to ensure the maximum impact for every item and every pound donated. From logistical to financial to material contributions, Ukraine Relief welcomes a wide range of support from businesses and the public.
“We are now asking businesses and individuals looking to make a real difference on the ground in Ukraine to contact us – whether you can donate money or goods, we can get essential supplies directly to where they are needed the most,” says Karol. “Our partners in Ukraine, including city mayors, local authorities and charities, are regularly updating us on the latest items and support required.” Karol continues “From clothing, food and toiletries, all the way through to communications and medical equipment. Financial donations allow us to source essential supplies and provide direct support. Our impact depends on getting what people really need to them as quickly as we can, and people’s generous contributions are helping us to do exactly that.”
“Every pound, every hour, every donation really does make a huge difference to the lives of those that have been torn apart by this awful war. We want the people of Ukraine to know that the UK is with them, we have not forgotten them.”
Ukraine Relief Fact Box
· £4 million worth of aid has been donated via Ukraine Relief
· 1,000 tonnes of aid have been delivered by Ukraine Relief including;
· 2,500 pallets of food, medical supplies, clothing, and toiletries
· And 4,200 children’s goody bags delivered containing toys, colouring pencils