The story

When Russia on February 24th 2022 started the war in Ukraine teacher Hannu "Hané" Vähäkoski from Joensuu thought that something must to be done to help the Ukrainians. He asked a friend whether this would join him on a tour to deliver some relief supplies to Ukraine and to get one or two refugees on the way back to Finland. The answer was a swift "yes!".

While working the following Monday Hané put a sign saying "Relief supplies accepted" on his schools main entrance. During the first recess reporters from local newspapers Karjalan Heili and Karjalainen went for interviews. News on the relief supply raiser went online immediately. Supplies started pouring in. By afternoon the first classroom was on its maximum capacity and a second was filling up fast. Next day the whole gym had to be opened to accommodate the supplies.

During the following four days well over 100 cubic meters of goods were collected. Eventually it took three busses, three trucks and some seven or eight van + trailer -combinations to get everything packed for delivery.

The privately funded convoy departed Joensuu March 3rd and returned from its journey on March 9th with 155 refugees onboard.

After the first two succesful relief aid trips origanised by volunteers the story continues with HanePeaceUkraine Association.