WITH the war in Ukraine reaching its one-year anniversary, the organisers of Dorset’s main fundraiser have been reflecting on their efforts for the country.
Today marks one year since Russia first invaded Ukraine, and the start of a long journey for Bournemouth group Ukraine Relief.
As the conflict hit television screens, founder Karol Swiacki sprang into action and began a campaign for donations to send to Ukraine, using a friends shop in Boscombe as a main drop off point.
Fast forward a year on, and Karol is operating a full-scale operation for Ukraine, and to date has sent nearly 3000 tonnes of aid to the country.
Karol said: “We’re not just sending things from Bournemouth anymore; we send lorries from all over UK.
“We’re tired, but we keep positive, because there’s amazing things happening every day.”
The first donation drop off point. Karol with shop owner Daniel
Now a registered charity, Ukraine Relief is continuing to deliver, and organise the delivery of, aid to people and places in need across Ukraine.
Karol said: “It’s been one year, but we had all the logistics set up three or four months ago, and now we’re just getting better and better.”
The work is made possible by the charity’s trustees, partners and volunteers, and Karol’s wife Daria who has supported the entire operation.
Karol said the launch of Ukraine Relief has been life-changing for all those involved.
He added: “I think every single person that has been a part of this has had their lives changed- all the volunteers, me and Daria and my family, and Alistair [charity trustee] who has been with us so often.
“We have a great team here- we’re all like a big family.
“Even the management at Castlepoint Shopping Centre said their lives have changed because of this, in that they’ve never done something like this.
The Ukraine Relief team at the Castlepoint warehouse (Image: NQ)
But what is next for Ukraine Relief?
Karol told the Daily Echo he has plans to build more awareness around the charity, and even expand it to America.
He said: “We want people to know, if you would really like to help Ukraine, here we are, and this is what we can do with your money.
“People give money to organisations, but they don’t always see the results or where it goes. Our mission is to show people they can really help Ukraine with us. If you donate, you will see where your money goes.
“There’s a big amount of suffering in Ukraine, we don’t want to show that, but we want to show that we’re helping."
Charity trustee Alistair Young added: "The need to help Ukraine hasn't gone away. The war hasn't shown any signs of ending.
"We will continue to respond to the need we see on the television screens."
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