UK Volunteers Prepare 25,000 Gifts for Ukrainian Youth

Approximately 25,000 Christmas presents have been prepared by individuals throughout the United Kingdom, destined for delivery to young people in Ukraine. Participants in Swindon, Bath, and Ipswich took part in a “wrapathon” event, which was coordinated by The Plant and Hire Aid Alliance. This initiative marks its third consecutive year, having facilitated the delivery of approximately 45,000 gifts to children in Ukraine since its inception. Jeremy Fish, who serves as CEO of Ardent Hire Solutions and is a founding member of The Plant & Hire Aid Alliance, stated: “A lot of people are now seeing less about Ukraine on the news but the suffering continues and it’s important we don’t forget them.” He further commented: “We’re a humanitarian organisation. We try and bring a bit of comfort and joy to children and families. We’ve got to do something.” Mr Fish recounted that the concept originated after he transported a van filled with humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian border in February 2022. Since then, he and his company have arranged and dispatched multiple additional humanitarian aid consignments, notably generators intended for powering water treatment and medical facilities. The aid is transferred to Rotary Clubs in Ukraine at the border, which then transport it further into the country. Mr Fish recalled: “Eventually someone said, what about Christmas presents.” He continued: “Lots of people donated presents and chipped in with gifts but said you’ll have to wrap them and it’s just grown from there.” The wrapathon in Ipswich was held on Saturday at Claydon High School, whereas in Swindon, volunteers convened at the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership, with a subsequent event scheduled for Sunday at the same location. The Bath wrapathon occurred at Oldfield Park Scala. Mr Fish remarked: “We need a lot of people, a lot of wrapping paper, a lot of Sellotape and a lot of scissors.” He expressed hope that “Hopefully everyone will go home with a feeling that they’ve done something nice for children.” He concluded by adding: “We often get photos back showing children unwrapping the presents and the joy on their faces makes it all worthwhile.”