Because We Can

Back in February 2022, my partner Francis headed out to Poland and drove Ukrainian refugees who had come across the border into Poland, onto other destinations including Latvia, Italy and Portugal. He drove 7,000 miles in two weeks and helped children, mothers and grandmothers get their long journeys to safety completed.

While Francis was away, we decided to buy a second-hand 17-seat minibus. After removing the back three seats to give some boot space, we set off together for the Poland/Ukraine border.

Now, more than a year later, and more than 80,000 miles later, the bus has transported hundreds of people over short distances and long. 

Humanitarian aid and pet aid has been transported in the other direction.

We have met many great people along the way, not the least the Ukrainian people. It is amazing to see how resilient people can be. Despite leaving their homes, the country and customs they know, and often leaving family behind, our memories are of people conducting themselves with good humour, patience and kindness.

Hundreds of donations have enabled us - Francis, me and friends we have met along the way - to keep the bus on the road making these valuable journeys.

People are still leaving Ukraine. These are often families or older people who have ’sat it out’ for a while. But continuing to exist in this way has become too difficult. 

We use our bus in particular to help vulnerable people for whom travelling on public transport isn’t possible. Our passengers are generally made up of elderly or disabled people, or mothers with young children.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you will be helping us with our mission to help refugees to a place where they can live safely until it is possible for them to return home.