Northumberland volunteers deliver car and aid to Ukrainian community

Northumberland Volunteers Deliver Car and Aid to Ukrainian Community

Graeme McGarrigle and Kevin Ord donated a car filled with aid to a Ukrainian community working to recover after Russia's invasion. The volunteers have returned to the UK after a three-day journey from Morpeth in a Citroën C4 Picasso loaded with airbeds, sleeping bags, toys, and hygiene supplies.

Journey Highlights and Challenges

The duo faced strong winds and heavy rain caused by Storm Benjamin as they traveled through Germany and Poland, followed by a four-hour border crossing into Ukraine. They spent the night in Lviv, where Kevin's trip concluded. This visit occurred only a week after Lviv experienced Russian drone strikes, but their journey remained safe.

Ongoing and Future Support Efforts

Graeme and Kevin consider the trip a success and plan further aid runs to Makariv, near Kyiv. This town supports families displaced by bombings in Eastern Ukraine and the Donbass region.

Community Impact and Background

Graeme said, "It was a privilege to make the aid donation to Makariv on behalf of the Morpeth 4 Ukraine community group, established in response to the Russian invasion and which has hosted numerous refugees in Northumberland's county town."

Makariv was occupied by Russian forces in 2022, with approximately 300 buildings destroyed or damaged, according to Graeme. He has also previously supported orphanages in Cherkasy, southeast of Kyiv.

Author's Summary: Volunteers from Northumberland delivered vital aid to support Ukrainian families displaced by war, demonstrating ongoing grassroots solidarity amid challenging conditions.

Chronicle Live — 2025-11-04