Tony Strutt

From Wales to Ukraine: Helping Wounded Veterans and Abandoned Animals Heal Together Some appeals are about survival. This one is about healing — for both people and animals caught in the horrors of war. At V-Aid, we’ve delivered vehicles and aid into Ukraine many times, often without asking the public for a penny. But this next journey is special. In April, we’re joining forces with an incredible Scottish charity, Hopefull, to support something I’ve seen others do with my own eyes — and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful, effective ideas I’ve ever witnessed. Ukraine is facing two silent crises at once: A tsunami of wounded veterans — many living with amputations, PTSD, trauma, and deep isolation. And one of the largest animal welfare catastrophes in the world — hundreds of thousands of animals abandoned, injured, or left behind as families were forced to flee. Hopefull Paws brings these two broken worlds together in a way that changes both. At the Nikopol Animal Shelter, wounded veterans with complex injuries and trauma stay on site and help care for over 400 rescued animals. They feed them, clean, walk them, rebuild trust — and in the process, rebuild themselves. Many of these veterans go on to adopt the very animals they’ve bonded with. I can’t overstate how powerful this is. Traumatised people helping traumatised animals — and both finding purpose, routine, and hope again. It’s simple. It’s humane. And it works. This April, V-Aid will: Take another vehicle to Ukraine Deliver animal food, medical supplies, and equipment to all three Hopefull Paws sanctuaries Deliver V-Aid dehydrated emergency meals for the veterans staying at the Nikopol shelter Drive the route Lviv → Kherson → Nikopol → back to Lviv And leave the vehicle at the Lviv sanctuary to be used as an animal rescue response vehicle before flying home via Kraków. Anything we can’t fit in our vehicle will go with other convoy vehicles to Lviv, before we continue east to the shelters. 100% of funds raised will go to get vehicle and aid (comprising of animal medical and food supplies and our veteran meals) to where its needed. As with all our convoys we deliver both vehicles and aid to those most in need. I thank you in advance for any contributions. What your donation will do Your support will help pay for: The costs of getting the vehicle to Ukraine and keeping it running on the journey Animal food, supplies, and rescue equipment Emergency meals for wounded veterans at the shelter Turning the vehicle into a working rescue response vehicle that stays in Ukraine This isn’t aid that disappears into a warehouse. It’s hands-on, visible, life-changing help — for animals and for the veterans who are learning to live again. Why this matters War doesn’t just destroy buildings. It breaks bodies, minds, and trust. This project restores all three. I’ve seen the bonds form. I’ve seen hardened, broken people soften when an animal finally trusts them. I’ve seen purpose return where there was only emptiness before. That’s why we keep going back. And that’s why I’m asking for your help this time. If you can donate — thank you. If you can share — that helps just as much. If you can’t do either — please keep these people and animals in your thoughts. Together, we can turn one vehicle, one journey, and one idea into hope on four wheels. — Tony V-Aid