Welcome
Welcome to the KentRelief website. We are a humanitarian charity with a current focus on Ukraine. Please feel free to browse the site to get to know what we do and who we work with. If you would like to get involved or would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, we have been providing support to Ukrainian guests as they arrive in the UK, including initial provision of essential items, and now also assist guests moving into their new homes as they settle into life in the UK (working in close coordination with Tunbridge Wells BC Homes for Ukraine Scheme).
Since February 2022 we have also sent over 90 tons of humanitarian aid to areas of need in Ukraine including food, medical aid and other key items.
Did you catch our news feature on BBC South East Today? It was great to have them film our February 2024 lorry loading day, showcasing the incredible support we've received from our community in sending vital aid to Ukraine.
It serves as a powerful reminder that the need for support in Ukraine continues. As the conflict drags on, it's understandable for the initial surge of compassion to fade. By keeping the situation at the forefront of people's minds, we can maximise the chances that a steady stream of assistance will reach those who need it most.
This media coverage allows us to share the dedication of our volunteers and the sheer volume of donations with a wider audience. Seeing the impact first hand can truly inspire others to get involved and join the cause. Together, we can make a real difference for the people of Ukraine.
Our latest humanitarian aid shipment departed on 17th August 2024 carrying 14.5 tons of aid. The route went directly to Lviv, arriving in record time, and our aid was then distributed by our partner there to our various other partners and beneficiaries throughout Ukraine. These included:
a charity supporting shelters in Odesa for people displaced from the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions
a charity in Odesa funding a shelter for women and children who have been victims of rape and abuse as a result of the war in Ukraine
an animal shelter in Konotop
a community of Bakhmut refugees now living in Cherkasy
a charity in Boryspil called Aqua Venti who provides support to refugees and civilians on the frontline
a volunteer organisation in Kremenchuk that delivers aid to the frontlines in the Poltava region
a charity in Bila Tsertkva that provides support to women and children who have arrived from evacuated frontline areas of Ukraine
…and various other places where it is needed on the frontline. We established links with three of the above organisations on our recent field trip to Ukraine in June this year
Ukraine Independence Day Event 24th August 2024
KentRelief had a wonderful Independence Day Event in the Royal Victoria Place, at our charity shop on 24th August. The aim of the event was to both fundraise as well as to raise awareness that the war in Ukraine continues. Our wonderful local Ukrainians whom we support in the Tunbridge Wells area bought a selection of fantastic home made Ukrainian food to sell on the day, and there were traditional Ukrainian dress and Ukrainian live singing. In total we raised over £700, so a successful day all in all, as well as the chance to raise awareness for Ukraine. Thank you to all who contributed to this fantastic day, including all our volunteers who turned up to help.
If you would like to contribute to our next aid trip please see our donations page.
KentRelief works with a number of partners both in the Kent area and in Ukraine to achieve our objectives. For more information about what we do please see Our Strategy.
