Humanitarian Aid Journey to Poland – Bruce Anderson

Although the journey across Europe was very long and took a lot out of the team, we stayed in high spirits by listening to music and getting to know each other better. Let’s just say, I spent more time talking to Kevin Ward in these three days than I have over all the years that I have been at Ward. We learned about each other’s past and present events in life.

When we arrived in Poland we went to an Expo building which housed Ukrainian refugees. Unfortunately there was no support there to help unload the vans safely so we decided not to open the doors. We were all very tired from the 18 hours’ drive so we decided to get a hotel for the night. It was a difficult time for us to see all the destitute Ukrainians at the Expo site. It really brought home the hard times that they are going through.

The next day we went to the train station where the Police escorted us around the building to where there was a World Kitchen being run by volunteers. We straight away knew that their operation was being run safely and professionally, so we decided this was the right place to unload our aid. The staff were absolutely amazing and they helped unload the vans. They were such amazing people and they blew my breath away with their attitude towards what they were achieving on a day-to-day basis.

I do not shed a tear lightly in life but after achieving what we did, and also seeing the conditions the refugees were having to live in, I have to admit that I got quite emotional about it. Also seeing the volunteers do what they do, and not just for a few days like us but month after month, and not as a job but from their hearts, was very heart warming.

Not only did we get to see the sad repercussions of this war but we also got to see the good side of humanity. It taught me to appreciate what we have in life because not very far away there are people suffering. What comforts me is knowing that what we delivered will go people who are in desperate need.

This journey was a life changing event for me and I will never forget it.