Ukrainian Children’s Christmas Gift Appeal
2226. Jeremy Fish
Jeremy Fish, from Worcestershire, is a businessman who has organised Christmas gift appeals for children in Ukraine which have seen him and his team of volunteers transport over 45,000 presents over the last two years.
Wanting to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, Jeremy launched the first appeal in 2022, inviting businesses and members of the local community to donate presents, including toys, books and puzzles. Jeremy coordinated a ‘wrapathon’, with his team of over 100 volunteers wrapping thousands of gifts before being transported, with events held in various major cities to distribute the presents to children displaced by the war. This year, Jeremy held a further ‘wrapathon’ and has transported 15,000 gifts, together with other supplies that will be distributed by ‘Rotary International’ in time for Christmas Day.
Wanting to help provide aid throughout the year, Jeremy has also formed an alliance with partners in the plant and hire industry to send £4.5m worth of aid via convoys to Ukraine, including medical supplies and generators to schools and local communities on the front line.
In a personal letter to Jeremy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“After the success of your first Christmas gift appeal, it is fantastic to hear how you repeated the feat in 2023, with over 45,000 gifts now collected, wrapped and sent to families in Ukraine.
“On top of this, you have secured a truly phenomenal £4.5 million of aid for the country. From medical supplies to power generators for schools and local communities, you are making a huge difference for those experiencing hardships because of Russia’s aggression.
“I visited Kyiv in January and I can tell you that President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people are deeply grateful for all the support that the UK provides – from the government but also from fantastic initiatives like yours.”
Congratulating Jeremy on his award, Sir Sajid Javid, Jeremy’s local MP for Bromsgrove, said:
“Jeremy’s tireless efforts organising Christmas gift appeals and coordinating over £4.5 million of aid for Ukraine has had a huge impact on the lives of many affected by the conflict.
“His actions truly embody the spirit of the Points of Light award programme and I am delighted that his work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.”
Congratulating Jeremy on his award, Sir Sajid Javid, Jeremy’s local MP for Bromsgrove, said:
“Jeremy’s tireless efforts organising Christmas gift appeals and coordinating over £4.5 million of aid for Ukraine has had a huge impact on the lives of many affected by the conflict.
“His actions truly embody the spirit of the Points of Light award programme and I am delighted that his work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.”
Jeremy said:
“I am thrilled to receive this award representing the collective efforts of the numerous volunteers, customers, suppliers, and members associated with the Plant and Hire Alliance, which we established in 2022 to address the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. In the second year of our Christmas campaign, our aim is to bring a moment of happiness to Ukrainian children amid these exceptionally challenging times for them and their families. The traumatic experiences of the conflict may have a lasting impact on their lives, and we aspire to believe that our endeavours are contributing in some small way to brightening their lives during the festive season.”