2026 November, Our Upcoming Mission to Ukraine
This November, our joint delivery mission with Ambassador Sándor Fegyir brings together two urgent needs that can’t be separated: critical support for front-line military units and humanitarian relief for vulnerable families in areas such as Zaporizhzhia
There’s the normal planning, the lists, the weather checks, the “did we remember that?” moments. Then there’s the deeper reason we’re going: to bring help where winter makes everything harder, especially for people living close to the daily strain of war. This won’t be a sightseeing trip. Right now our focus is simple: show up, deliver help to Ukraine's heroes, children, and their families, listen, and come home ready to keep helping.
The Team
We’re ready for our upcoming trip to Eastern Ukraine. Leaving soon from Budapest, Hungary, then crossing into Ukraine. A small team of 5 people: Alex Davern, Zsuzsanna Bozo, Krisz Kaszas - from Direct Aid- and Mr Sandor Fegyir, and Marianna Melnyik. You are to meet us all; just keep following our journey as we post the stories here. Once in Ukraine, a team of 9 more drivers will join us, and together we will head east.
What is this mission about?
When people hear “trip,” they might picture travel photos and a relaxed schedule. This is different. For us, the trip is about connection and delivery. It’s about taking the generosity people have shared and moving it closer to the people who need it. It’s about working with trusted local contacts, paying attention to what’s actually needed, and staying flexible when plans change.
Bring winter support: Cold weather turns small problems into serious ones. Warm blankets, heat-related supplies, and basic comfort items matter.
Help our heroes: Help our friends save their country and their families by providing them life-saving vehicles.
Support local helpers. The people closest to the need often know best what will help. We want to listen to them and back up their work.
Come back with a clearer picture. Every trip teaches us something. What we learn on the ground helps shape the next delivery, the next fundraiser, and the next decision.
Why Zaporizhzhia is on our hearts
Zaporizhzhia sits in southeastern Ukraine along the Dnipro River. It’s a city known for industry, resilience, and a deep connection to Ukrainian history. Many people also know the region because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and because communities there have faced fear, damage, displacement, and uncertainty for far too long.
It was a mutual agreement within the team that we wanted to go where the need is great. We want to help the Ukrainian Armed Forces and those who suffer from the atrocities of this war. Especially children. This is how we got connected with Happy Child Foundation in Zaporizhzhia.
Volunteeers of Happy Child Foundation - Photo by : Happy Child Foundation
Preparing for winter on the ground
If you’ve ever had the heat go out for even one night, you know how quickly your home stops feeling safe. Now imagine that worry stretched over days or weeks, with power concerns, damaged buildings, limited transportation, and supply shortages on top of it. The best help is the kind of help that lets someone get through tonight, then tomorrow, then the day after that. That will include warm sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, cold-weather supplies, hygiene items, and other essentials based on current requests from people connected to the area.
Our local partner, the Happy Child Foundation in Zaporizhzhia, has shared with us this list, a collection of needs by local schools, kids' hospital, and temporary accommodation for internally displaced people. We have managed to cover some of this wish list, but not all. The kids' hospital wish list is still waiting for a generous donor to help.
What this trip is really about
Support for Ukrainian Soldiers
We are committed to aiding Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines by delivering what is needed most at the frontline cities: vehicles. Two evacuation vans and seven pickups/SUVs, crucial for transporting aid and personnel in tough conditions. All of these cars are 100% funded by Direct Aid and its sponsors. If anything, this truly saves lives.
We are also working with partners to support drone pilots and communication units, providing necessary resources for effective operation. This includes returning friends who previously received assistance, replacing lost pickups, and introducing new vehicles sourced through partners. This initiative highlights our dedication to supporting those defending their country.
The feeling before leaving
There’s excitement, because we care deeply about Ukraine and the people we’ve met through this work. There’s focus, because nobody wants to miss something important. There’s nervous energy too, because traveling into a country at war is not normal, and it shouldn’t be treated lightly. We’re checking lists. We’re confirming plans. We’re thinking about safety. We’re watching the weather. We’re reminding ourselves to stay flexible.
And yes, we’re also feeling grateful. Grateful for every person who has donated, shared a post, packed a box, prayed, asked a question, or simply refused to look away. These trips don’t happen because one person wakes up and decides to go. They happen because a whole line of people chooses compassion, one step at a time.
That support travels with us. Not in a symbolic way, but in a real one. Every donation becomes fuel, supplies, transportation, warmth, or help placed closer to someone who needs it.
And we will be sharing with you as we go, who the champions of these aid programs are, the key partners to make this happen. To start with: The Hungarian Reformed Church Foundation, Maltese Charity Services Berehove, Debrecen City, National Instruments, Transcarpathian Dragon Feeders, The Carpathian Dragons UA
Carrying hope into Zaporizhzhia
As we get ready to leave, we keep thinking about the people we haven’t met yet. The older person who may receive a warm blanket. The family trying to stretch supplies through another cold week. The volunteer who might feel a little less alone because help arrived. The child who gets to see, in some small way, that people far away still care. That’s what we’re carrying with us. Not just boxes. Hope, given by many hands, moving toward Zaporizhzhia.
Photos representing the aid work of Happy Child Foundation.
FAQ
Is this a sightseeing trip?
No. While Zaporizhzhia has meaningful history and places worth knowing, this trip is focused on humanitarian support, meeting local needs, and helping deliver aid responsibly.
Will you share updates from the trip?
Yes, when it’s safe and respectful to do so. Some details may stay private to protect people, locations, and travel plans.
How can someone help?
Donating, sharing the fundraiser, and encouraging others to pay attention all help. Not everyone can go, but many people can be part of sending support.
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