Our Mission
Our mission at KAFU is to support the innocent people of Volodymyr, Ukraine, whose lives have been devastated by war. We are committed to providing practical help, humanitarian aid, and opportunities that bring hope, dignity, and connection to a community that continues to face unimaginable hardship.
Background
Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the suffering of innocent people has only deepened.
Homes, schools, and entire communities have been destroyed. Families live with constant fear and uncertainty — Are our sons and fathers still alive? Where will we find food? Where will we sleep tonight?
Over the past four years, the people of Knaresborough have refused to stand by helplessly. Seventeen humanitarian trips have been made to the town of Volodymyr, each one carrying essential items that most of us take for granted: walkers, mattresses, wheelchairs, laptops, paint, toys, sweets, and much more.
Among the most impactful contributions were two fire engines sent to help rescue people trapped in high‑rise buildings. To date, those engines have saved more than 70 lives. This growing bond between our communities has now been formally recognised — Knaresborough is proudly twinned with Volodymyr, strengthening our commitment to support, solidarity, and hope.
Our Trip to Volodymyr
The next humanitarian trip to Volodymyr, Ukraine left on 4th September.
Once again, we travelled with a car and trailer filled with essential supplies for the local Care Home. These items — including wheelchairs, zimmer frames, commodes, and incontinence pads — provide vital support for residents whose daily needs have increased dramatically since the war began. We had an emotional welcome and grateful thanks by everyone we met.
During the visit, we also met with the Mayor of Volodymyr to finalise arrangements for our next major project: bringing a junior football team from Ukraine to Yorkshire (see below).
We are delighted to confirm that the Mayor and officials of Volodymyr agreed that the junior team can to Yorkshire next year!
Our Next Project
Our next project is to raise £20,000 to bring a junior football team from Ukraine to Yorkshire in 2027. For these young players — many of whom have grown up surrounded by conflict — this visit will offer safety, friendship, and a chance to experience life away from the pressures of war.
In June, a delegation of Ukrainian officials visited Knaresborough to review the arrangements and ensure the trip would be safe and well‑supported.
During our current visit, we met the juniors and it was very emional to tell them that they will be coming to Yorkshire!
The visit will be far more than football. Alongside a series of friendly matches, the team will enjoy trips to Knaresborough, York, Scarborough, and the Leeds United training ground. The aim is simple: to give these young people a week of joy, discovery, and connection they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Fund-Raising Events
An Evening for Ukraine
7:30, Saturday 7th November,
The Frazer Theatre, Park Crest, Knaresborough HG5 0EQ
Join us for a very special of exciting live music in support of Ukraine. The event will feature an exciting and varied programme:
Oleg Malan is a Ukrainian tenor with a powerful voice, a deep musical passion, and a bright future ahead. His sound carries the influence of travelling across continents and cultures, giving his performances a distinctive emotional colour and a unique artistic perspective.
Before pursuing music full‑time, Oleg was a professional athlete — a background that shows in his strength, discipline, and the commanding presence of a natural showman. His repertoire spans opera and modern classics, delivered with style, intensity and an energy that captivates audiences.
Oleg has recently been accepted onto a three‑year Classical Music programme at Leeds Conservatoire, marking an exciting new chapter in his development as a performer.
Oleg 'O Sole Mio' at Wetherby Folk Club
Mariia Petrovska is a charismatic bandura player and singer, and one of the rising stars of Ukrainian music. She combines a complete mastery of the bandura with a pure, emotive voice, making Ukrainian traditional music sound utterly fresh and contemporary, as well as penning her own new songs. Her mesmerising live solo performances frequently draw standing ovations.
YouTube Mariia Petrovska playing Bandura
Chechelele, pronounced cheh-cheh-leh-leh, is a word from the South African Ndebele language meaning ‘Happy’. Chechelele is a York Based SATB A Cappella World Music Choir. Although traditional African rhythms and songs form the core part of their repertoire, Chechelele specialise in singing songs from all around the world.
Chechelele is a unique, colourful, dynamic and vibrant choir. They entertain thoroughly with their amazing four-part singing, complex rhythms, use of movement, actions, percussion and plenty of ululation. Their repertoire is wide and diverse embracing themes of love, celebration, hymns, freedom struggles with a sprinkling of spirituals and gospel music.
YouTube: Chechelele at Wetherby Folk Club
YouTube: Chechelele at Wetherby Folk Club 'Down by the River to Pray'
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Recognition in Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire Post included an article on Bob's trojan work on Tuesday 1st September.
Classic Car Show
In June 2026, a Classic Car Show was organised at Knaresborough House by The Rotary Club and the Lions for KAFU. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part, the event raised an amazing £2,500 in support of our ongoing work with Ukraine.
The success of the day — from the cars on display to the atmosphere created by volunteers and visitors — has inspired plans for another car show next year. It promises to be even bigger, bringing our community together once again for a cause that continues to matter deeply.
Wetherby Folk Club
Wetherby Folk Club has been a steadfast supporter of KAFU, raising an impressive £6,000 over the past three years to help fund our various projects.
In August 2026, they held two wonderful singing events that brought people together in music and solidarity. Thanks to their performers, volunteers, and audiences, the events raised a further £1,100 — a remarkable contribution that will directly support our ongoing work with Ukraine.