
And…Scene ! Curtain falls on 2024… standby main, go main, 2025
A Week of Impact: Delivering Aid Across Ukraine
As December’s chill gave way to January’s freeze, reflections on the past year merged with plans for future endeavours. In December 2024, an international coalition, spearheaded by Actions Beyond Words (ABW), gathered in Poland to prepare for a week of relentless effort in Ukraine. Friends and colleagues from the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, and Ukraine joined forces, working tirelessly to procure, transport, and distribute aid to communities in need.
Finnish Contributions Lead the Charge
Among the coalition’s most steadfast contributors was Nada-Nord, a Finnish organisation that demonstrated unwavering commitment throughout 2024. Having already delivered nearly €100,000 worth of aid directly to Ukraine, alongside four 40-foot trucks of physical goods valued at a similar amount, Nada-Nord continued to inspire with its hands-on approach.
During this week, the Nada-Nord team, led by former board chair Gunilla, allocated over €10,000 from their current €60,000 donation to provide 30 generators—essential lifelines for communities enduring Ukraine’s harsh winter. Despite long and arduous days, the team, including Bertel and Kjell, displayed exceptional resilience and dedication, proving they could keep pace with younger volunteers.



The generators were distributed strategically:
10 units to Podolsk, strengthening a sister-city partnership with Burlington. These were prioritised for individuals who supported Ukraine’s efforts, helped fellow citizens, or were struggling to take the next step forward for their families.
10 units to Sloviansk, near the front lines, to support families, particularly those with children. Alongside the generators, the team delivered hand-knitted wool garments lovingly made by Norwegian and Finnish volunteers.
10 units to various high-need areas across Ukraine, responding to urgent community requests. This distribution will be completed in January.
Ensuring the generators reached families in need and verifying their use was a critical aspect of the project. Power is a basic human necessity, and the team experienced the harsh realities of power outages during their time in Ukraine. For Ukrainians and full-time volunteers, however, this remains a daily struggle.
The coalition also took pride in sourcing the generators from Dnipro M in Ukraine, thereby supporting the local economy and collaborating with their exceptional staff.
The remaining €50,000 was allocated to food, hygiene products, and other essential items, which remain as critical now as they were at the start of 2022. Special Christmas treats for children were also included, supporting festive events for young people whose parents are away serving in the military.
The ABW team was delighted to work with Ivan, a close partner from near Sloviansk in the Donetsk Oblast. Ivan’s community raised funds to transport a truck from Donetsk—an example of Ukrainians doing their part. This truck was filled with tonnes of aid thanks to Actions Beyond Words, Paracrew, and Nada-Nord’s phenomenal fundraising team.



Supporting Shelters and Sustenance
Another vital collaboration took place with Volunteer Action, whose founder, Jay, recently established The Phoenix shelter near Lviv. This facility, capable of accommodating up to 400 guests, offers refuge during the challenging months ahead.
The coalition supported this initiative by delivering 50 wall heaters, generously donated by their friends at Den Ukrainske Forening I Norge. Plans are underway to supply the shelter with significant food stocks, including pasta and rice, in the new year, thanks to Nada-Nord’s generosity.
Battling Logistical Challenges
The mission faced significant logistical hurdles. The coalition’s key transport van suffered multiple mechanical issues, including a destroyed suspension system, a massive fuel leak, and a broken starter. These setbacks prompted discussions about launching a fundraiser in the new year to secure a more reliable vehicle, pending repair costs. Despite these challenges, the team remained resolute, delivering aid, albeit less efficiently than planned.
Gratitude and Future Initiatives
Gratitude flowed strongly among the coalition’s members. From funding and knitting to logistics and delivery, every contribution played a vital role in the mission’s success. The Finnish team celebrated another milestone: the delivery of a third Dental Suite into the safe hands of ABW for Ukraine, with this project scheduled to begin in January.
The coalition’s enduring partnerships continued to fuel its efforts. Paracrew, a key ally, played an instrumental role in driving operations forward. Seasoned volunteers like Sophia, along with Paracrew leaders Linda and Berit, returned to lend their expertise and unwavering support. The team was also especially grateful to have Helge working alongside them with Paracrew. Helge spent weeks in Ukraine, collaborating with Viktor in Kharkiv from IT4Life while also representing ABW in the region.
Looking Ahead
As the festive season fades, all teams are preparing for the next phase of their mission. Leaders from all involved organisations have expressed a desire for guidance on managing upcoming donations to maximise their impact in 2025.
If you have ideas, needs, or expertise to contribute to the cause—please get in touch with us!
For now, ABW and the entire team send warm wishes from Poland, Ukraine, England, Norway, Finland, Japan, Canada, and America. They remain deeply grateful for the support that has enabled them to bring hope and aid to communities across Ukraine.

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