In a remarkable show of unity and compassion, Claudy man Glen Miller, a community-focused advocate who believes in giving back wherever he can, has joined forces with local heroes, volunteers, and Ukrainian refugees to deliver life-saving aid to Ukraine. This extraordinary team, led by Peter Jennings of Derry Aid, has come together to bring not only supplies but also hope to those enduring unimaginable hardship.
Miller, an Ulster Unionist Party representative, has played a pivotal role in supporting Jennings, Kilfennan Presbyterian Church and the Derry Aid team. Reflecting on his involvement, he said, “I was delighted when Peter asked me for advice on logistics through Europe and assistance with paperwork and regulations. Having travelled to Ukraine myself back in 2022 with Foyle Aid, where my family’s transport business supplied the lorries, I know just how vital every piece of this work is. It was my pleasure to assist in any way I could.”
The effort is bolstered by the contributions of volunteers, including Ukrainian refugees now living in Derry. Their involvement is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. For them, packing medical supplies, food, and clothing is more than a task—it is a lifeline to those still enduring the war. “We cannot be there ourselves,” one refugee volunteer shared, “but this makes us feel connected to our people. It reminds us that the connection to our homeland is not lost. That connection is what drives us.”
The network of support is broad and heartfelt. A local school recently donated a pallet full of Christmas presents for children in Ukraine, a poignant gesture that symbolises the spirit of giving during Christmas. “The students were so proud to be part of something bigger,” Jennings said. “It’s moments like this that remind us of the goodness in people.”
The efforts of Derry Aid have made 25 humanitarian trips to Ukraine since the start of the invasion, but not without peril. During a recent mission, Jennings was injured in an explosion, sustaining shrapnel wounds and a dislocated shoulder. Despite the danger, he remained undeterred, vowing, “As soon as I can get another lorry or transport, and I get back on my feet, I’m going back. I owe it to them.”
And he has kept his word. Not long after his recovery, Jennings returned to the frontlines of aid delivery, showing that his commitment to the Ukrainian people is as strong as ever. His determination continues to inspire, and his actions speak volumes about the unwavering spirit that drives him.
One of the most profound moments of these missions came when Jennings was unexpectedly greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an aid delivery. “We were surrounded by soldiers, and this man came up to me and asked, ‘What are you doing?’” Jennings recounted. That man was Zelenskyy, who awarded him a humanitarian medal on behalf of the Ukrainian government, a testament to the far-reaching impact of Derry Aid’s work.
Glen Miller underscores that this effort is about more than just delivering aid—it is about creating lasting bonds of support and solidarity. “This isn’t just Peter’s work. It’s the work of everyone—local volunteers, refugees, businesses, and organisations. Together, we’re building something extraordinary that is making a difference,” he said.
As Christmas approaches, the story of Derry Aid resonates with even greater poignancy. The sight of a pallet of Christmas presents, packed with love by local children, and the relentless dedication of refugees who work tirelessly to help those still in Ukraine, serve as a reminder of what Christmas truly means. It is a season of giving, of connection, and of remembering those in need.
This Christmas, as homes are lit with joy and warmth, the war in Ukraine continues to rage. Families are displaced, lives are lost, and the need for support is as urgent as ever. The work of Derry Aid, Glen Miller, and the volunteers is a powerful reminder that we cannot simply forget. In the spirit of Christmas, let us not turn away from Ukraine. Let us remember, act, and continue to give hope to those who need it most.
