Warminster aid volunteer planning next trip to help Ukrainian children

Warminster’s long-time aid organiser Tommy Sprangle is planning his next trip to Poland next month, continuing his work supporting Ukrainian refugees. 

The mission will once again involve delivering donated supplies and gifts to a hostel in Bydgoszcz, northern Poland, where families forced from their homes by the war have found temporary shelter.

This will be Tommy’s 41st trip since the conflict began and he’s now busy raising funds and collecting donations.

Tommy, who in November completed a Christmas trip to Bydgoszcz, said the visit had gone “really well” and brought plenty of festive cheer to children and mothers.

“I’ve spoken to the hostel recently and our Christmas gifts were a real Christmas treat for the kids,” he said. “That’s what makes it worthwhile. All the children got a Christmas present and some chocolates and that helped bring just a little bit of joy to their lives.”

The latest run saw Tommy and neighbour Alun Maddocks deliver a van packed with donations, including gifts and essentials, continuing a string of missions made possible through community generosity.

But rising travel costs mean fundraising will be more important than ever for the next trip. “Unfortunately, our costs are going up – the ferry trip has gone from £110 each way to £144,” Tommy explained. “But that won’t stop me.”

Local businesses and groups have once again pledged their support, and Tommy is appealing for further donations to help cover expenses.

Anyone wishing to contribute to Tommy’s next trip can do so through his GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/jmjen-help-ukraine