24/01/2025
**Reflecting on My Journey to a Ukrainian Orphanage**
Recently, I embarked on a solo 2,915 mile road trip. My final destination was a Ukrainian orphanage.
I had the privilege of delivering winter jackets, donated by Footasylum in Manchester to Poznan, where the team at Caritas Poznań distributed 200 of them to children displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. I now had space in the back for food and supplies for the refugee centre, so went on a spending spree at a major cash and carry, before heading off on a 7 hour drive to Chelm, a town near the Polish/ Ukrainian border, where I delivered another 200 jackets and essential supplies to an amazing lady called Natalia, who we have been dealing with since the war started almost 3 years ago. Natalia arranged the onward journey of my cargo to Асгард Одеса in eastern Ukraine.
After a well earned nights sleep in a proper bed, I made tracks towards the orphanage. I was definitely making tracks as the snow was falling heavily, and I was one of the only muppets on the road, apart from the “Policja” and their “hairdryer” . I must be the only person in the world that’s been caught speeding in the snow , a whole 8 km/h over (rebel) .
Arriving at the orphanage, I was greeted by Irena and the smiling faces of the children who recognised me from previous trips, this instantly warmed up a cold winters day. The children, full of energy and curiosity, reminded me of the resilience and hope that can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
Conversing only through Google Translate , Irena and myself headed off to the local supermarket, where we emptied fridges, freezers and shelves with enough food to keep them fed until the end of Spring.
As the children helped unload their shopping , I couldn’t help but feel a little emotional . Seeing what your donations have done for these children and their well-being, filled me with hope.
This journey was more than just a delivery; it was a reminder of the kindness of all who have donated to this cause. It reinforced my belief that we can all make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem. I returned home with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed commitment to support those children for as long as your help allows us to…
https://gofund.me/5cf32b8e
