BRISTOL Freemasons have reached an extraordinary milestone, delivering over 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees in need.
Over the past two years, five vans filled with essential supplies have made the journey from Bristol, driven by volunteers from the organisation.
Continuing their commitment to supporting thousands of people, Bristol Freemasons are set to dispatch another two vans filled with essential aid on 22nd February. These vans, driven by four dedicated Freemasons, will transport nearly three tonnes of supplies, including 40 generators, winter clothing, first aid kits, and hygiene products, to support all refugees.
They successfully raised over £10,000 in donations, with more than one thousand in gift aid, ensuring that this vital assistance reaches those in desperate need. A strong turnout of volunteers is expected to assist in loading the vans before departure.
These efforts, which have touched the lives of displaced people across Europe, are part of a collaboration with the grassroots charity From Bristol with Love. Based in Southmead, the charity operates out of a small council-owned building for a peppercorn rent and is run entirely by volunteers, with no one drawing a salary. To date, the charity has overseen the delivery of over 100,000kg of aid. One of its founders, Razvan Constantinescu, expressed his admiration for the Freemasons’ contributions: ‘Our entire community is absolutely in awe of what you have achieved for those in need. Never before have we seen such great mobilisation of passion and resources. Well done, Team Masons!’
Since the start of the crisis, people across the UK have supported refugees in various ways, from welcoming them into their homes to donating to charities. For the Bristol Freemasons, this has meant physically transporting humanitarian aid across Europe—a task that, while seemingly straightforward, requires immense physical and emotional resilience. As one volunteer explained, ‘We all do what we can for those in need. And we can drive a van.’
Lee, Simon, Patrick and Andy.The first mission undertaken by Bristol Freemasons took place in April 2023, when four volunteers—Patrick (a Programme Manager in Defence), Lee (a Project Manager in Telecommunications), Andy (a retired Train Driver), and Simon (a Tattoo Artist)—drove two vans carrying 3,000kg of clothing, camping gear, and medical supplies. The 5,000km round trip took them through eight countries before reaching a designated drop-off point near the border, where they transferred the aid to local humanitarian workers.
The encounter was deeply emotional. The volunteers met displaced individuals whose gratitude was overwhelming. To maximise the impact of their journey, the Transporters also purchased additional supplies on-site, filling larger vans with four pallets of dried goods. A heartfelt message of thanks later reached the volunteers: ‘Dear friends, I want to thank you once again for your dedication, your constant help and support. Our meeting gave me infinitely pleasant emotions. I wish that the good you do will return to you 100-fold.’
Since that first mission, three more vans have made similar trips, each filled with life-saving supplies. The initiative is funded by over £20,000 raised within the Bristol fraternity, ensuring every penny donated goes directly to aid those in need. Volunteers, affectionately known as ‘Transporters,’ undertake these missions at their own expense, driven by a commitment to making a tangible difference.
