On 25 March 2026, Caritas played a key role in supporting a major community fundraising effort that has helped deliver vital aid to Ukraine.
A fully equipped ambulance packed medical supplies is on its way from Northampton to the Ukrainian frontline, following a major community fundraising effort. After a four-day, 1,650-mile trip starting on Easter Sunday, the ambulance will be handed over to Ukraine-Mother, a Kyiv-based organisation who will distribute the aid, before the ambulance is donated to frontline military paramedics in Sumy.
The delivery comes four years after the start of the war in Ukraine, during what has been described as one of the country’s coldest winters in more than a decade, with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Many communities remain in need of fuel for heating, food supplies, clothing and medical supplies, especially as hospitals and life-saving equipment have been destroyed.
‘These items will help paramedics save lives and support medical stabilisation facilities which treat the injured before they are transferred to hospitals away from the frontline. I want to thank our volunteers and everyone who has donated or worked with us to make this happen’
Steve Challen, from Tove Benefice
The ambulance was funded thanks to generous donations to Caritas, by parishioners, schools and supporters. They raised £8,500, while a further £3,500 came from the Tove Benefice church in Towcester. It has been loaded with 750kg of medical equipment, clothing and battery packs, which will be given to areas where they are most needed.
‘We thank everyone who has donated to this cause and prayed for Ukraine as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters there. It has been amazing to work with the team at Tove Benefice who have done so much to support communities in Ukraine’
Dr Loralie Rodrigues, strategic lead for Caritas Social Action
On behalf of all the team at Caritas Northampton, we thank everyone who donated and prayed for Ukraine as it stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and with the fantastic and long-standing work of the volunteers of Tove Benefice.
