Provide Equipment Hub Supports Ukraine Humanitarian Mission with Mighty Convoy

The mission was co-led by Brendan O’Keefe, Chair of the Trust Board at Provide Equipment Hub. Brendan travelled from London to Lviv with his friend and colleague Dr Craig Dearden-Phillips MBE, a long-standing social entrepreneur and founder of Social Club UK.

Together, they drove 1,227 miles in an ambulance loaded with medical supplies as part of Mighty Convoy’s 100th vehicle delivery.

Mighty Convoy is a volunteer-led non-profit organisation that raises funds to buy second-hand ambulances and 4×4 pick-up trucks, fills them with humanitarian aid and drives them to Ukraine. The organisation works with the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine and ICMDA in the UK to make sure vehicles and supplies reach the places they are most needed.

After 36 hours on the road, the ambulance and supplies were handed over to the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine in Lviv.

For Brendan and Craig, the journey continued beyond the handover. During their visit, they met social sector organisations responding to the impact of war across Lviv, Kamianets-Podilskyi and Kyiv. This included a visit to Star House in western Ukraine, a centre supporting children, families and soldiers affected by trauma.

Brendan O’Keefe, Chair of the Trust Board at Provide Equipment Hub, said: “The journey to Ukraine was one of the most humbling things I have been involved in.

“We set out to deliver an ambulance and supplies, but what stayed with me most was the people we met. Across Ukraine, we saw social sector organisations, volunteers and community leaders working under unimaginable pressure, with extraordinary commitment and humanity.

“For me, this mission connected very strongly with the work I see at Provide Equipment Hub. It was practical support, delivered with purpose, to people facing exceptional need.

“As Chair of the Trust Board at Provide Equipment Hub, I spend a lot of time thinking about how we listen best to colleagues and stay true to our social purpose. Seeing the equipment arrive in Ukraine brought home why our work matters. The ambulances and medical equipment we helped to provide will make a huge difference to people whose lives have been blighted by war through no fault of their own. That’s what this was really about.”

Paul Kouassi, Managing Director of Provide Equipment Hub, said: “We are proud to have supported Brendan’s involvement in this important mission.

“At Provide Equipment Hub, we understand the difference the right equipment can make to people’s safety, dignity and independence. Seeing that practical support reach communities in Ukraine is something our colleagues can feel genuinely proud of.

“This mission reflects the kind of organisation we are working hard to build; employee-owned, socially responsible and committed to making a positive impact through what we do.”