Rotary News - November 2025

Support for Ukraine

Reporting the situation in Ukraine seems to have reduced significantly from the mainstream media of late, but not for members at a recent club meeting when two volunteers from Help Ukraine BAMK UK gave an excellent illustrated talk about the country and the important support work their group is doing. Based in MIlton Keynes, but also covering Bedford and Aylesbury, the group is a fully recognised Community Interest Company (CIC) and is made up of dedicated Ukrainian and British nationals whose aim is to help the people of Ukraine survive the conflict by delivering aid directly into their country. The group collects a wide range of donated goods such as foodstuffs, clothing, medicines, personal hygiene and surgical items which are then taken by van to Ukraine by volunteer drivers. Steve, one such volunteer has so far completed twelve trips, including two journeys driving donated vehicles full of aid. Having recently lost its main storage facilities, new premises are urgently needed to store, sort and assemble the collected aid ready for dispatch.

In addition to the practical aspects, the group also needs to fundraise to buy certain supplementary humanitarian aid items and help with the costs of transportation to Ukraine. Having previously supported Ukraine through local street collections over the past couple of years and sending the proceeds to Ukraine via the Rotary Club of Kyiv, the club was pleased to be able to extend its support by donating £500 to Help Ukraine BAMK UK continue with its vital ongoing humanitarian aid efforts.

Further information about the group can be found on their website https://helpukrainebamk.uk/

New Cooker for King's Community Centre, Wolverton

We are delighted to report that the new range cooker funded by the Rotary club has now been fitted in the Wolverton Centre's kitchen and is already being put to good use in providing free hot meals for the public on Thursday lunchtimes.

Charity Dinner raises £600

Attended by some 40 members and friends, a charity dinner held recently at Voongs Chinese Restaurant in Bletchley raised a grand total of £600. Organiser Rotarian Indra commented "This dinner has now become a regular event in our fundraising calendar and we are most grateful to owner Alfie and his staff for once again hosting the club and producing such excellent meals".

Mike Thomas, PR & Communications Officer