Matthew and Dale have recently returned from a humbling and emotional trip to Poland, where they joined a summer camp organised by Helping Our Ukrainian Friends (HOUF) for war widows and their children. The camp, held just a few hours from the Ukrainian border, welcomed 28 widows and 53 children who travelled from cities including Irpin, Kryvyi Rig, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Rivne, Ternopil, and even Bakhmut, a city now devastated by conflict.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, over £50,000 was raised to make this camp and vital aid deliveries possible. In addition to supporting the families at camp, Matthew and Dale delivered humanitarian aid which has now reached the front line in Ukraine.
The impact of this support is beautifully captured in a heartfelt message of thanks from the camp organisers:
“Thanks to your support, we were able to offer a week of healing, rest, and joy to widows of war and their children. With the help of psychologists, the women received personal and group therapy. Families enjoyed floristry workshops, art classes, sports activities, horse riding, and peaceful evenings around the bonfire. We shared special moments like a dinner out at a local restaurant, a relaxing spa day, and a beautiful closing concert just for the moms.
Your generosity gave these women and children more than just activities, it gave them a sense of hope, dignity, and community.
We are deeply grateful.
With appreciation,
Kasia Rojewska & Galya Mokryk, Camp Organisers.”
Matthew reflected on the experience, “It was a journey that started with 11 volunteers who didn’t really know each other but who returned home as good friends. What was just as important as taking out so much humanitarian aid was the message that our commitment to the journey showed the people of Ukraine that they have not been forgotten by their European friends. I’m sure that the emotions experienced throughout this trip will remain with the volunteers for a lifetime”
Matthew also shared more about the trip during recent interviews with Kev Lawrence on PCRFM and on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. If you haven’t listened yet, we encourage you to tune in and hear more about the impact your support has had.
Princebuild Community Catch Up 27 06 25 KL & MJP
Princebuild Community Catch Up 30 06 25
Finally, we’re delighted to share a short video capturing some of the special moments from the camp, a testament to what can be achieved when compassion and community come together.
Thank you to every single person who donated, sponsored, and supported. None of this would have been possible without you.
