Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on June 15th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth’s Ukraine Relief named Charity of the Year

A charity based at Castlepoint that supports Ukrainian civilians has received national recognition and a £20,000 donation.

For several years, a Bournemouth-based charity has supported the people of Ukraine following its invasion by Russia. Now, the charity has received national recognition and been named Charity of the Year by a major defence technology company.

To mark its 20th anniversary, defence company Cohort PLC named Ukraine Relief its Charity of the Year and awarded it a £20,000 donation.

For more than four years, Ukraine Relief (based at Castlepoint Shopping Centre) has raised funds and delivered aid to the war-torn country. It has delivered thousands of tonnes of aid, helped to rebuild schools and supported hospitals, shelters and orphanages, and delivered vehicles, including ambulances, all to support the people of Ukraine.

In early June, Ukraine Relief’s CEO, Karol Swiacki, together with trustee Alastair Young, members of its management team Steve Hancock and Annmarie Randall, and its Honourable Patron Richard Adlam MBE, were invited to attend Cohort’s anniversary event in Drapers’ Hall, London.

Cohort said Ukraine Relief was selected by employees from across the group, and that the donation will support Ukraine Relief’s ongoing work delivering generators, emergency food and medical supplies to communities affected by the war in Ukraine, alongside support for schools and local organisations.

Andrew Thomis, chief executive of Cohort PLC, said: “Ukraine Relief is delivering critical aid, technology and practical support to communities facing unimaginable challenges every day. We are proud to support the organisation’s efforts and hope our contribution will help provide meaningful assistance to the people, schools and organisations across Ukraine.”

Ukraine Relief’s Karol Swiacki described the evening as an unforgettable experience and added that the team were proud and honoured to be selected as Charity of the Year.

He said: “It is a great honour for Ukraine Relief Aid to be here and to accept this award from such incredible people during such serious times. I would like to thank not only Cohort for this recognition, but also the British people for their unwavering support for Ukraine.

“This award is not just for our charity — it belongs to every volunteer, donor, partner, trustee and friend who has stood with us since the beginning. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by this terrible war. Together, we are creating a better tomorrow.

“We are fighting for the future not only of Ukraine, but of the whole free world. While humanitarian organisations like ours serve and support civilians affected by war, companies in the defence sector such as Cohort help defend our shared future. Together, we stand for freedom.”

Ukraine Relief’s trustee Alastair Young said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Cohort PLC for their generous award of £20,000 to Ukraine Relief Aid. These funds will support projects in Ukraine, including children’s orphanages and schools, helping to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the war.”

To find out more about Ukraine Relief, visit https://ukrainerelief.org.uk.