Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on March 9th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth charity marks four-year anniversary of Ukraine invasion

Bournemouth-based charity Ukraine Relief hosted an anniversary event to commemorate the fourth year since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.

A Bournemouth-based charity focused on sending aid to Ukraine hosted an event on 27 February to mark two key anniversaries.

Ukraine Relief’s founder and CEO, Karol Swiacki, said: “We come together to mark two deeply significant milestones: the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of the free country of Ukraine by the aggressor, and the fourth anniversary of Ukraine Relief – an international community of people who have made a real and lasting difference in supporting Ukrainians in their horrific war for freedom.”

Held at the charity’s base of operations in Castlepoint Shopping Centre, the event praised supporters and volunteers for their hard work over the past year and reminded attendees of the conditions facing those living and fighting in Ukraine.

Ukrainian nationals and refugees living in Bournemouth were invited to stand and sing the Ukrainian national anthem, before a one-minute silence to remember the fallen.

As well as a presentation by Swiacki, other people were invited to speak at the event, including the charity’s 93-year-old patron, Richard Adlem MBE, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mark Howell, the Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr George Farquhar, and a representative from Castlepoint Shopping Centre.

Swiacki added: “From its very beginning, Ukraine Relief Aid has been proudly supported by Castlepoint, whose commitment has been instrumental to this work.”

In the past four years, Ukraine Relief has delivered 5,240 tonnes of aid worth over £18 million to the war-torn country, as well as 408 vehicles, including a fleet of 259 trucks, 56 ambulances and a fire engine.

As well as practical equipment like vehicles and power generators, the charity has focused on supporting the children of Ukraine by delivering educational supplies, sports equipment, gifts and toys.

A guest of honour at the anniversary event was Igor Logvinov, a Ukrainian volunteer and chairman from the Freedom Trust Charity, who works with Ukraine Relief to ensure aid is delivered to where it needs to be. He shared his experiences of living in Ukraine and evacuating people from the front line of the conflict.

Logvinov said: “Today, I want to share one simple but deeply felt truth: Ukrainians are not alone. Every message, every word of encouragement, every act of solidarity from people across Britain and America matters more than you can imagine. Your compassion is not an abstract gesture; it is a warmth shared across borders. It is a life preserved. It is hope kept alive.

“This war has become our daily background: sirens, sudden blackouts, and messages about new attacks.”

To donate, volunteer, or learn more about Ukraine Relief, visit https://www.ukrainerelief.org.uk.