‘Warmth shouldn’t be a luxury’: Healthcare CEO raises £54k to help war-torn Ukraine through winter

A family from Great Chatwell, a village on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border, has raised more than £54,000 to help provide vital electricity and warmth to communities across war-torn Ukraine.

The fundraising campaign, led by Hartford Care CEO Kevin Shaw, will fund the purchase and delivery of more than 100 generators for families, schools and care homes facing another difficult winter without reliable electricity.

Kevin initially set out to raise £50,000 for Ukraine Relief Aid, but thanks to the generosity of friends, family and colleagues, the appeal has already exceeded its target. Donations include £10,000 from Hartford Care and a personal contribution of £20,000.

The generators will be purchased in the Netherlands before being transported to Ukraine and distributed across the northern and eastern regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.

Kevin will personally travel to Ukraine with the Ukraine Relief Aid team this month to help deliver the generators to the communities that need them most.

Speaking about the campaign, Kevin Shaw said: “My wife and I have been staunch supporters of Ukraine since the outset and we are overwhelmed with the generosity of those around us donating to this important campaign.

“The people of Ukraine are suffering and need our support more than ever – winter is upon them and warmth shouldn’t be a luxury.

“I am incredibly proud to support Ukraine Relief Aid and to be coming along on the journey to ensure the generators are given where needed the most.”

Karol Swiacki, CEO and founder of Ukraine Relief Aid, highlighted the importance of the campaign as temperatures fall and communities continue to face the impact of the conflict.

He said: “When winter brings darkness and freezing temperatures, our mission is to bring light, warmth, and hope to those who need it most.

“At Ukraine Relief we believe no child should face the cold in darkness and no family should be left without hope. Together we are not just restoring power.

“We are protecting lives, restoring dignity and keeping hope alive.”

With the campaign already surpassing its original fundraising target, further donations will help support Ukraine Relief Aid's efforts to deliver essential equipment to vulnerable communities.

Anyone wishing to support Kevin Shaw's generator campaign can make a donation online at: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/power-for-ukraine-because-heating-saves-lives