Ukraine solidarity emergency winter appeal

Aim

Help raise money for aid to be delivered to Ukrainian workers in November-December 2026.

More info: [email protected]

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(Photo: Workers at the College in Kryvyi Rih, part of KVPU union federation's education union)

Aid for Education, Rescue Workers, and Defenders on the Frontline

Ukrainian trade unions are appealing for urgent assistance as they face another freezing winter, made even harsher by Russian terror bombing and sustained attacks on vital energy infrastructure. Communities, workplaces, and frontline regions are under daily threat. This appeal seeks to provide essential support to a school and college, mine rescue workers, and trade union members defending their city.

Vital aid is urgently needed for:

Education in Kryvyi Rih

The industrial city of Kryvyi Rih endures regular Russian attacks. A high school and a technical college require equipment to ensure education can continue safely in shelters during air raids, and to support technical training essential for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Mine Rescue Workers

We are continuing our fundraising supporting mine rescue workers, members of mining union NGPU, including in the 10th Rescue Squad — who since the full-scale invasion provide wider emergency response to miners and local communities, and are themselves targeted by drones. They urgently require a specialist vehicle to reach communities under attack and provide effective assistance.

Defenders of Kharkiv

The Defence of Justice union needs aid for volunteers, serving in the 225th Separate Assault Battalion, defending Kharkiv,  Russian forces are only whose 38 km from the city centre. They need a motorbike, and essential winter and medical supplies to support evacuation of the wounded and delivery of medicines and food to the frontline. We will also be seeking to purchase a pick-up truck so the union can evacuate civilians from frontline areas and deliver humanitarian aid around Kharkiv.

Who Is Appealing?

This appeal responds directly to requests from:

• Free Trade Union of Education and Science of Ukraine (KVPU union federation)
• Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine (FPU union federation)
• Independent Trade Union of Mineworkers of Ukraine (KVPU)
• Defence of Justice Trade Union, Kharkiv (KVPU)

All are affiliated to the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) or the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU).

Our Target

We aim to raise £25,000, but the scale of need this winter is far greater. Donations can be made via this crowdfunder or directly to the campaign. We also welcome donations of any items listed below.

For more information or to offer equipment: [email protected]

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Items needed for Winter aid appeal

1) 10th Mine Rescue Squad, part of NGPU union

• Specialist vehicle for emergency response under drone and artillery threat.

2) Mining and Electromechanical Professional College – Kryvyi Rih

For their shelter and technical education facilities:

• Hardware and networking equipment for uninterrupted internet access
• Whiteboards and interactive boards
• Large‑screen TV
• Specialised technical equipment:
  • Ammeters
  • Voltmeters
  • Magnetic starters
  • 380V three‑phase main circuit breaker
  • Laboratory cables with clamps
  • Professional electrician toolkits

3) Lyceum No. 127 – Kryvyi Rih (High School)

For their shelter:

• Laptops
• Printers
• Interactive whiteboards
• Standard whiteboards and flipcharts
• Portable speakers and microphones
• Thermal hot‑water dispensers (for warm drinks during prolonged shelter stays)

4) ‘Defence of Justice’ Union – Kharkiv

For members serving in the 225th Separate Assault Battalion:

• Pickup truck
• Motorbike
• Winter sleeping bags
• Thermal clothing
• Waterproofs
• Compact gas heaters
• Power banks and chargers
• Medical aid for stabilisation points

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th November 2026 at 11:59pm