UA’s First All-Female Civilian Convoy Embarks on Humanitarian Mission to Ukraine

UA’s First All-Female Civilian Convoy Embarks on Humanitarian Mission to Ukraine

• First All-Female Civilian Convoy to Ukraine – On Valentine’s Day, 15 women from diverse backgrounds will drive five aid-packed 4x4s over 1,000 miles to deliver critical medical supplies and equipment.

• Ukrainian Action is a UK charity and US nonprofit founded in March 2022 to support the survival and recovery of Ukraine – Since 2022, Ukrainian Action has delivered over 340 vehicles and 60+ convoys, playing a vital role in aid distribution, evacuations, and humanitarian transport.

• Powered by Purpose & Workday Support – Volunteers, supported by software specialist Workday, have fundraised to cover vehicle and aid costs, showing solidarity and action over words.

London, UK – 4 February 2025 – Ukrainian Action (UK) is proud to announce its first all-female humanitarian aid convoy to Ukraine, set to depart from the UK on Valentine’s Day. This milestone mission underscores the vital role women are playing in humanitarian efforts and highlights the unwavering commitment of Ukrainian Action’s volunteers to supporting those impacted by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Fifteen women, spanning their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, from British, Irish, American, and Bulgarian backgrounds - including Ukrainian Action’s Ukrainian-Australian-British co-founder - will embark on the more than 1,000-mile journey. They will drive five 4x4 vehicles packed with critical aid, swapping traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations for a mission of compassion and solidarity. Each vehicle is purchased, prepared, and packed with medical supplies and orthopaedic equipment before being driven by the female volunteers to Ukraine.

Since its founding in March 2022, Ukrainian Action has delivered over 340 vehicles in more than 60 humanitarian convoys. These vehicles play a crucial role in distributing aid, evacuating civilians, and transporting essential personnel. The all-female convoy will journey across Belgium, Germany, and Poland, delivering the vehicles to Ukrainian Action’s Polish-based team, who will transport them to the border. From there, the charity’s all-female border team will drive the aid into Ukraine. With martial law restricting men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country, these women-led efforts have been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian Action’s, border crossings since the start of the full-scale invasion.

In partnership with their employer, software specialist Workday, volunteers have been actively fundraising to cover the cost of vehicles and aid. Sophie Glendenning, one of the convoy members, said: “We are part of something truly special – helping bring aid and hope to people who need it most.” Another volunteer, Aisling Jubb, added: “One of my dear friends is from eastern Ukraine, and after hearing firsthand what her family is enduring, I feel passionate about doing what I can to help.”

Megan, another participant, reflected on her personal connection to Ukraine: “Growing up in Wigan, England, we had a longstanding relationship with another high school in Donetsk, Ukraine, where each year a number of their students would come to my school for six weeks. We would each have a Ukrainian student buddy to look after. During this time, our Ukrainian guests would spend time with us in class, visit different parts of the UK, and immerse themselves in the English language and culture. This exchange lasted for over 20 years until COVID-19 and the war disrupted it. From an early age, I was lucky enough to learn more about this incredible country, and the students always taught us so much about life in Donetsk. I’m now grateful to be able to give back to the people of Ukraine.”

Nicola Hollis, Regional Director at Workday, shared her thoughts on the mission: “This Valentine’s Day, I’m proud to be part of the first all-female convoy driving aid to those in need in Ukraine with the amazing charity Ukrainian Action.”

Vanina Yordanova, another participant, expressed her motivation: “This is a chance to make a real difference for those who are suffering. Ukrainian Action is doing incredible work, and I’m honored to be part of this historic convoy.” Media Access Ukrainian Access can facilitate access to the convoy, interviews with volunteers and the Ukrainian Action team when they leave from South-East London on the 14th of February. If you’d like to travel with the convoy for part, or all, of the journey, please contact us and we will try and accommodate you where possible.

About Ukrainian Action

Headquartered in London, Ukrainian Action is a UK charity and U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine. Co-founded in response to Russia’s invasion in February 2022 by CEO Jeffrey Hartman, his Ukrainian-born wife Natasha, and Matthew Morgan, the organization has raised over £4 million and delivered hundreds of vehicles and pallets of humanitarian aid. With a network of over 40 core volunteers and more than 400 volunteer drivers, Ukrainian Action continues to provide essential relief. In February 2024, the organization launched the Ukrainian Action Heroes rehabilitation program, teaching veterans to ski and snowboard in the Carpathian Mountains alongside a program of psychological support as part of their recovery.

Ukrainian Action is a CIO registered with the UK Charity Commission (Charity Number 1202133) and a U.S. tax-exempt public charity under 501(c)(3) (FEIN 88-1173971). U.S. donations are tax-deductible. Learn more at www.ukrainianaction.com.

How to Help

To support the Valentine’s Day convoy, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/workday4ua. For general donations or volunteer opportunities, visit www.ukrainianaction.com. Ukrainian Action also funds its efforts through the sale of merchandise which can be purchased at its online store. All profits go to support the delivery of trucks and humanitarian materials to Ukraine and to fund veterans to receive rehabilitation. To follow Ukrainian Action on its social media accounts, please visit its Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

Media Contact: Natasha Hartman Co-founder Ukrainian Action natasha@ukrainianaction.com +44 7554 426881