Since the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24th February 2022, Towcester and the surrounding villages has proactively supported the people of Ukraine. Together they have hosted and aided many families who had to quickly leave their homes, often with just one or two holdall bags. Many of these families still remain in Towcester, having now gained employment and made their own homes here until it is deemed safe for them to return to Ukraine.
Collections led through St Lawrence Church in Towcester and the Tove Benefice of churches has delivered huge amounts of humanitarian and medical aid into Ukraine. It all started on 1st March 2022 when we opened church, collecting and sorting over 20 tons of aid donations, by default acting as the West Northants collection hub, and helping to fill lorries in Northampton which were destined for Ukraine cities that had been subject to heavy bombings.
Members of the Tove Benefice have continued their efforts in support of Ukraine. This has, and continues to be achieved, in many ways, including:
- Taking 1.6 tons of aid to the Skycamp refugee centre in Poland in response to the huge number of people seen escaping the bombings and occupation of Ukraine
- Welcoming, connecting, and supporting those who have sought refuge locally. Many still continue to be a part of our community
- Fundraised to support the provision of ambulances being prepared by the team at Skycamp in Poland and donated to Ukraine paramedics
- Helping to fill with aid and deliver to Ukraine, a significant number of vehicles, including the donation of 5 ambulances to Ukrainian paramedic teams
- Working with the Local Authority NHS and Medical Practitioners, alongside other UK aid operations to fill lorries trailers and vans with medical care and rehabilitation equipment. These items would otherwise go to waste in the UK, but can help restock hospitals, paramedic teams, and help build new rehabilitation facilities in Ukraine
- Sponsored Ukraine charity, NGO Metta, to deliver a mountain wilderness therapy trip for 15 veterans / bereaved families to help start their emotional recovery
- Continuing to Inspire and assist others to complete their own aid activities
A key enabler to the local aid deliveries and vehicle donations is Ukraine national, Oleh Naida. Oleh came to Towcester in July 2022 to rejoin with his wife and 3 young children who had fled to the safety of Towcester a few months earlier. Since Oleh’s first aid drive in the autumn of 2022, Oleh has ensured the success of many local drives, working closely with trusted volunteer groups in Ukraine, thus ensuring aid reaches those who need it most. In recognition of these efforts, the twinning of Towcester and Oleh’s home town, Zhydachiv, was agreed in January 2024.
The Benefice is grateful to members of the local community, and those afar, who have supported our efforts since March 2022. We are particularly grateful for the financial support given by Rotary Club Towcester, and the following organisations for the reuse of medical and rehabilitation items: West Northamptonshire Council, the NHS, and local Emergency and Medical Practitioners. All enquiries / offers of assistance can be made by calling the Tove Benefice Office on 01327 350459.
With thanks to all those who support, and prayers for all those affected by war around the world.
Revd Paula Challen and Steve Challen
