A dedicated group of volunteers in Tilehurst have been helping to send vital supplies to Ukraine as the full-scale war in the country nears its second year.
Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine was set up by a group of people in the town who felt moved to help out civilians caught up in the conflict.
As well as sending vital supplies such as sanitary items, medical equipment and tools, they also send knitted comfort dolls which were well received by children throughout the war-torn country.
The volunteers began helping out shortly after the full-scale Russian invasion.
Jenni Harding, 73, one of the organisers, said: “It started two years ago, I felt I had to do something. I have got no connection with Ukraine. We set up in a church hall in Tilehurst to collect donations.
“The first time received 200 boxes of supplies, so after that we got secure storage, and have been working with others to send out lorries of aid.
“I then set up a twice weekly craft group. What’s really come out of it is that it’s a good thing for the local community. A lot of people are on their own and suffer from depression and anxiety. They can come and knit both to sell items and send out knitted clothes, toys and other items to Ukraine.
“It’s quite a big organisation although there is five of us running it.”
Once the supplies are donated, they still need to be supplied to civilians in Ukraine, which is where the organisation ‘Vans Without Borders’ comes in.
The van teams are organised by Jack Ross, the founder of the humanitarian group, who has been to Ukraine seven times so far.
The group has a unit in Portman Road used to store the items ready for dispatch by Vans Without Borders.
Ms Harding said: “Jack lets us know what’s needed, what’s the priority, and we post a list on our Facebook page.
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“It can be anything from a knitted hat to a generator or angle grinder. We actually finance that storage unit, we could not survive without it.
“Jack provides transport every month to six weeks.”
The supply chain of UK aid to Ukraine stretches across the country, with aid provided from the volunteers in Reading being stored in Hertfordshire, Odiham, Basingstoke, Sussex and other locations ready for dispatch.
Jeni added the aid gets sent more or less once a month. It’s understood the last delivery reached Ukraine on December 21, in time for Christmas.
Many Ukrainian Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the first time last year in an act of defiance against the Russian Orthodox Church which celebrates Christmas on the January 7.
The next delivery is due to occur in February or March.
Mr Ross said: “Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine plays a crucial role in supporting the Vans Without Borders operation by consistently providing high-quality aid for transport to Ukraine.
“The dedicated team in Reading has generously contributed items ranging from generators and work clothes to tools and sanitary products for women.
“Sharing group photos of the aid distribution in Ukraine enhances the connection between the team and Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine, fostering appreciation for the transparency in showing precisely how and where their aid is utilised.”
Aid has been dispatched throughout Ukraine, in regions such as The Donbas, Chernigov and Mykolaiv.
Mr Ross continued: “The comfort dolls crafted by the group have been warmly received by Ukrainian children, who genuinely appreciate the effort invested in creating these delightful toys.
“These hand-knitted dolls often become the preferred choice for the children, even when presented with toys in professional packaging.
“The personal touch and care put into making these dolls resonates strongly with the young recipients.
“Jenni and the team have been fantastic to work with and they have risen to every challenge as the Ukrainian aid rules change to help make our lives as easy as possible when it comes to crossing into Ukraine.
“Finally, I’d like to say an enormous thank you to the community in Reading who have banded together to help make the world a better place.”
Vans Without Borders is not a registered charity. It is currently raising money to support its efforts on Crowdfunder.
The Russian military launched its invasion on February 22, 2022. This year will also see the 10th anniversary of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014.
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