As the war in Ukraine continues, the need for humanitarian aid remains urgent. From medical supplies and winter clothing to vehicles and electricity, the gaps left by damaged infrastructure and supply chain breakdowns continue to put civilians and frontline workers at risk.
That’s where Ukraine Freedom Company (UFC) has stepped in. Founded shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, UFC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization that delivers critical aid directly into Ukraine. With no paid staff, the organization relies entirely on volunteers to source, fund, transport, and hand-deliver supplies — often to areas very close to the frontline.
Since its inception, UFC has delivered a wide range of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies for trauma and hospital care, winter clothing for frontline troops, generators, body armour, helmets, military clothing, survival kits, bespoke materials for civilian and military hospitals, nonperishable food, small boats, mechanical devices, and fishing nets used to help disrupt drone attacks. UFC’s mission is focused on providing essential medical, logistical, and defensive support; the organization does not supply arms, ammunition, or any offensive equipment.
Getting Aid Where It’s Needed Most
Among the volunteers helping make these deliveries possible are Andrew Canning, a retired Royal Marines Officer, and his wife, Angie, who works for the British National Health Service. In addition to military service, Andrew also worked as a civilian for a British company tasked with delivering a specialist training and mentoring program to the Afghan Army and Police in Kandahar, in Afghanistan, on a US Government contract.
Together, Andrew and Angie are part of a wider grassroots movement of volunteers powering UFC’s supply convoys.
On the Ground in Ukraine
Andrew has made seven trips to Ukraine as a UFC volunteer. On his most recent journey, he was part of a small group that successfully delivered two vehicles filled with frontline medical aid, traveling through high-risk cities including Odesa, Kherson, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. On their way back west toward the Polish border, they passed through Kyiv and Lviv. In Kyiv, amid heavy attacks, they spent the night in an air raid shelter adjacent to their hotel.
Andrew and Angie’s work is just one example of UFC’s efforts — and challenges. In addition to delivering aid, convoys have faced vehicle breakdowns, long ferry delays, and dangerous conditions near the front. Yet volunteers continue to return, often funding some of their own travel expenses and gathering donated supplies from friends and neighbors.
Support has come in many forms — from money to fund the logistics of transporting aid, to used medical equipment and overflow ambulance inventory to individuals emptying their medicine cabinets of unused items. In every case, UFC volunteers find ways to transport, repurpose, and distribute supplies that are otherwise difficult or impossible to get to those who need them most.
Voices From the Ground
In addition to delivering aid, UFC volunteers have also been invited to share their experiences publicly. Andrew and a fellow volunteer recently recorded a podcast while in eastern Ukraine — following a night of attacks — at the request of Ukrainian partners. The episode, now being broadcast on Ukrainian television and social media, features international volunteers sharing their perspectives on their support of Ukraine and focuses on the UFC collective as well as Andrew and his colleague’s personal views about why they volunteer.
Listen to the episode here: Unlocking the Power of NGO Leadership
How to Help
UFC faces an ongoing challenge of seeking financial and material aid to continue their support efforts in Ukraine. To donate funds, contribute materials, or learn more about UFC’s work, visit ukrainefreedomcompany.org.
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