Our unique distribution capability allows us to provide rapid, direct aid to Ukraine.
Our international fleet of trucks, official contacts and relationships with logistics organisations give us a unique ability to deliver aid quickly to where it is most needed, without bureaucracy, unnecessary costs or delays.
We deliver aid across Ukraine, typically within 48 hours, with less than 3% administration overheads.
Governance
Ukraine Relief Aid is a UK-registered charity (# 1199809), regulated by the Charity Commission and overseen by a CEO and board of trustees.
Karol Swiacki
CEO & Founder
Karol founded the charity; his positivity and infectious enthusiasm drive it forward every day.
Alastair Young
Trustee
Alastair is a Director at a medical research organisation, and oversees the charity's operations.
Marc Edwards
Trustee
Previously CEO and Chairman of an S&P500 company, Marc provides strategic oversight of charity activities.
James Cummins
Trustee
James is CTO of a fintech start-up, and supports the charity with all aspects of data and technology.
Our story
What began with a guy helping collect and transport local clothing donations has grown into a award-winning charity providing rapid, direct aid to where it is most needed.
The Polish connection
When conflict broke out, Karol Swiacki, a Polish national living in Bournemouth, wanted to help.
As an influx of displaced Ukrainians fled across the Polish border, Karol worked with personal connections in the area, and local businesses in Bournemouth, to collect and distribute essential items to the refugee camps springing up across southern Poland.
Little acorns…
What was meant to be a couple of van loads of essential supplies quickly escalated.
The outpouring of generosity from households in the Bournemouth area was - and continues to be - astounding. With stacks of donated items piled up to the rafters (literally) in local business premises, it quickly became clear that bigger thinking was needed.
To mighty oaks
Following media coverage, a local retail park offered use of a recently vacated unit.
Castlepoint, a large shopping centre in Bournemouth, generously provided substantial warehouse space with vehicle loading bays. An army of local volunteers flooded in to help process and pack donated items. Hundreds of pallets were prepared and, soon, trucks laden with essential aid would hit the road.
Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine
Moving truckloads of aid into a warzone is not a straightforward task.
Through Karol’s network in Poland, permission was given to transport aid into the country, and a local warehouse was secured. From here, vans flying the ‘Help From Bournemouth To Ukraine’ banner rapidly distribute essential supplies to both refugee camps and locations hard-hit across the border in Ukraine.
Businesses step in
Organisations from around the UK - and beyond - get involved.
Looking for a way to directly support Ukraine, donations from organisations come in all shapes and sizes. From clothing, food and hospital supplies, to logistical support, to direct financial contributions - the scale of our collective relief effort grows way beyond what we could ever have imagined.
International network
To reflect the extent of our supporter base, we rename the campaign Ukraine Relief and register as a charity in the UK.
Our supporters now include UK businesses, international companies, charities and regional donation centres, using our network to distribute essential supplies directly to those in need. Take a look at some examples of our shared impact here.