Ukraine Appeal

Please donate to help a Ukrainian child enjoy two weeks of respite, joy and adventure.

It is just over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. We’ve watched with heartfelt sadness the scenes on our TVs and phone screens showing the immense suffering inflicted on millions of civilians. This suffering will be felt for generations to come.

For Ukrainian children and young people, many have been robbed of their childhoods and face risk of physical injury, mental trauma, grief from the loss of family members, displacement and disrupted education.

In 2024, at our Barcaple Centre in Dumfries and Galloway, Abernethy Trust hosted a group of children from the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, just 20km from the front line.

The trip gave them respite from the stress and anxiety of the hostilities they are being forced to live amongst. It provided an opportunity for them to be children – carefree with days full of joy and adventure.

It was only due to generous donations from individuals that this trip was able to take place. This August we would love to offer another group of children from Khakiv the opportunity to visit Scotland and stay at our Barcaple Centre.

The children will experience our full range of adventures including mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and swimming, alongside trips to Edinburgh and local beaches and castles.

This year we hope to bring 27 children aged 8 to 18 to stay accompanied by two teachers.  All the children have lost parents or close family members or have them volunteering at the front line.

We need to raise at least £36,000 for the children to visit. This will cover costs including flights, visas, accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Please partner with us and donate to provide Ukrainian children with a life-changing respite break in Scotland. Thank you.