A FIREFIGHTER from Harlow Fire Station has returned from Ukraine after a 10-day
humanitarian trip delivering Christmas gifts and vital supplies to communities aAected
by the ongoing war.

Firefighter William Bee travelled to Ukraine alongside his father, Peter Bee, and family
friend Julian Buck, continuing a mission they have undertaken for the past four years to
support families and vulnerable people since the conflict began.

In the lead-up to Christmas, the team collected donations from local residents and
businesses across East Anglia. Together, they delivered aid including bedding, food,
clothing, sanitary items, and approximately 175 Christmas shoeboxes filled with gifts
for children of all ages. Since the start of the war, the team have donated around
£500,000 worth of aid to people in need in Ukraine.

The team also transported donated vehicles to support recovery and logistics eAorts in
Ukraine, including a recovery truck, a 4×4 vehicle and a van, each driven across Europe
by members of the group.

Once in Ukraine, the donations were distributed in partnership with the Unity Hub
charity, making sure supplies reached the communities most in need. The team visited
three orphanages in Kyiv, where they spent time with children who had lost family
members due to the war.

William added: “Visiting the orphanages was incredibly tough. We met so many children
who had lost their families as a result of the war, and hearing their stories stays with
you. Despite everything they’ve been through, they welcomed us with smiles and
enthusiasm.

“We spent time painting Christmas decorations together and handing out the shoebox
gifts, which were filled with simple things but meant so much to them. It truly breaks
your heart to see how grateful they are for even the smallest gestures, and it reminds
you just how important this support is.”

During the visit, the group also travelled to a fire station in Boyarka, where they met local
firefighters and paid tribute to colleagues who had lost their lives during the conflict.

Reflecting on the experience, William said: “It really puts everything into perspective
how lucky we are to have what we have back home.”