Sunderland Monkwearmouth brings warmth to vulnerable in Ukraine city

The Salvation Army in Sunderland is helping make a cold winter in war-torn Ukraine more bearable after its fundraising efforts brought warmth and joy to the vulnerable.  

The church and charity in Sunderland Monkwearmouth, which supports a community of refugees who arrived in the North East after war broke out in 2022, sent £1,500 to The Salvation Army in Kharkiv. This was raised through fundraising initiatives like coffee mornings and concerts led by Ukrainian volunteers and employees at the Roker Avenue church. 

The support helped organise a warm lunch for the elderly and displaced in Kharkiv, which for many was the first shared meal they’d had in months, and provided warm clothes for people who have not been able to afford anything new after paying their utility bills.  

In a letter sent to Sunderland Monkwearmouth, Major Kostiantyn Shvab and the Salvation Army team in Lviv and Kharkiv explained how much the donation meant to the people they serve, many of whom are living under the threat of bombardment and without water and electricity. 

The letter said: “We are deeply touched by your care and generosity. Your gift of £1,500, transferred to Kharkiv Corps, has already brought visible fruit and real comfort to many people here who are enduring this difficult winter.

“Every package, every meal, every warm piece of clothing reminds our elderly, lonely, and displaced people that they are not forgotten — that there are brothers and sisters in Christ who remember them, pray for them, and act with love.

“Your kindness reaches much further than you can imagine. It warms not only bodies but hearts. It restores dignity, faith, and hope in those who had almost lost them.

On behalf of everyone who received help —  in Kharkiv and Lviv — thank you for being the hands and heart of Christ in action.” 

The letter including heartwarming testimonies from people who had received the help. Including Vladimir, who received a fleece jacket and meal. He said: “My pension is very small, and in winter I can barely pay my utility bills. Buying new clothes has long been impossible. The warm lunch you gave us became a symbol of peace that I still believe will come. I’m very grateful for those minutes of warmth, care, and simple joy.”

Alla said: “Thank you to everyone who did not remain indifferent to our hardship. Now, when winter is coming and many of us face darkness and cold again, having warm clothing is so important. I’m very thankful for the cosy jacket with pockets — it will truly help. I’ve not left Kharkiv since the war began, so I know what it means to live without light, water, and heat. This gift brought me real comfort.”

Galina said: “I have no family left — only my small pension. After paying for medicine and utilities, almost nothing remains. I haven’t bought a single new thing in years. When I received the warm clothes, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It felt as if someone far away remembered me and that I’m not invisible.”

Nikolai added: “It’s hard to explain what it means when someone simply cares. These clothes and the hot meal warmed not only my body but my heart. I live alone, and days can be very quiet. That lunch was like sitting at a family table again. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”

While Valentina said: “Every winter I fear the cold more than anything. My pension is just enough for bread and electricity, but warm things are a luxury. This help came at the right time — the jacket fits perfectly, and it feels like a hug. Thank you for thinking about us old people.”

Salvation Army volunteer Peter Holmes, who ran the Great North Run this year alongside four Ukrainian refugees, also travelled to Lviv in August to deliver some money that was used to organize a small celebration for internally displaced children – providing a holiday in the middle of the war. 

Sunderland Monkwearmouth Salvation Army provides practical and spiritual support to the Ukrainian community, hosting concerts and coffee mornings, Sunday services, help with training and jobs, signposting, and provides a safe space and holiday camp opportunities for children who had to flee Ukraine at the start of the war. Many refugees volunteer or now work for The Salvation Army. 

Major David said: “You can see from the letter what a difference our Ukrainian refugee family are making with their determination to help those who are still living under bombardment back home. They regularly host Ukrainian coffee mornings and fundraising events to raise money, which is making a real difference to people on the ground. 

“This is an example of people across nations coming together to help and support each other in a time of adversity. It’s putting belief into action, bringing hope and light in the darkness and showing love where it’s needed the most.”