Delivering Warmth Initiative for Ukraine

Appeal for Support: Delivering Warmth Initiative for Ukraine

Standing with Ukrainian communities through the harshest winter

As a result of continued shelling, prolonged power outages, and extreme winter conditions, thousands of families across Ukraine are living without electricity, heating, or hot water for more than 20 hours a day — in some cases for several consecutive days.

People are unable to cook food, heat their homes, or care properly for children and elderly relatives. In many regions, cold and hunger have become a daily reality and a life-threatening challenge.

Students delivering warmth to those who need it most

As described by Mykola Trofymenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine:

“More and more Kyiv residents are finding themselves on the brink of living in extreme conditions. Civilian institutions, universities, and, most critically, residential buildings are being left without electricity, lighting, and even heating — at a time when weather forecasts predict temperatures of -20°C and below.

Students, as so often happens, were the first to step forward. They began organising volunteer ‘warmth delivery’ groups to bring hot meals and food supplies, water, medicines, and warm clothing — with priority given to people with limited mobility and older residents.

Without electricity and functioning lifts, many people are physically unable to reach resilience or support centres. It is essential for us to support those who are ready to support others. Proper equipment for student volunteers is a prerequisite for overall success and a basic safeguard against injuries among those who are helping on the frontline of this humanitarian response.”

About the Delivering Warmth Initiative

Delivering Warmth is a humanitarian initiative launched by Cormack Consultancy Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The project mobilises student volunteers to:

  • deliver hot meals and drinking water

  • provide food parcels and basic medical supplies

  • distribute warm clothing and essential items

  • support elderly people and those with limited mobility who cannot leave their homes

The initiative currently focuses on the Kyiv region, with the aim of expanding to other regions as resources allow.

Student volunteers

Approximately 100 student volunteers will be engaged in the first phase of the initiative.
They are recruited from Kyiv universities through the national umbrella body — the Ukrainian Association of Students.

These students operate in extremely difficult conditions and often climb multiple floors in unheated buildings without electricity to reach vulnerable residents.

Why your support matters

The UK–Ukraine Twinning initiative has already shown how international academic solidarity can change lives. Thanks to the commitment of UK universities, thousands of Ukrainian students and staff have remained connected to education, stability, and hope.

Today, we ask the same community to stand with Ukraine once again — this time to support students who are on the frontline of a humanitarian response.

Use of funds

All funds raised will be used exclusively to procure essential cold-weather and basic support equipment for student volunteers, including:

  • Chemical hand and feet warmers

  • Thermal underwear sets

  • Warm headgear

  • Insulated gloves

  • Power banks

  • Handheld flashlights

  • Headlamps

This equipment is vital to ensure volunteers can operate safely, effectively, and for extended periods during power outages.

How universities can help

We invite UK universities to:

  • organise urgent internal fundraising campaigns

  • engage students, staff, and alumni in supporting the initiative

  • share this appeal through their communication channels

Every contribution directly supports the volunteers who are delivering warmth, food, and hope to those who need it most.

 Donation account details are provided at this link.

 

Contact and donations

For coordination and further information, please contact Director of the Ukraine Twinning project:

Oleksandr Smyrnov
Cormack Consultancy Group
olexandr@consultcormack.com

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