Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the the Scottish charity HopeFull (previously called Siobhan’s Trust Ukraine) has been working 24/7 to bring pizza and positivity to the people of Ukraine. HopeFull serves thousands of free hot pizzas a day, putting a smile on the faces of the most vulnerable people in Ukraine. HopeFull's amazing operation is run by dedicated volunteers who travel in mobile pizza oven trucks all over Ukraine with the total capacity of feeding up to 5000 people a day with a free hot pizza, drinks, fruit and other snacks.  They play music and sometimes dance. It’s about giving a fun experience.  Just by being there they show that the outside world cares and wants to support Ukraine. To date, HopeFull  has served about 1.5 million pizzas and works with another Scottish based charity which have delivered nearly 100 articulated trucks of medical and humanitarian aid from Scotland to Ukraine. 

David Fox-Pitt, one of the trustees of the charity, and Jo Fox-Pitt, who assists in recruiting volunteers, are motivated by a deep compassion and admiration for the people of Ukraine. David says:

“It’s an honour to help Ukraine, they are remarkable, extraordinary people and I have grown to love them and have respect for their determination. They are an example to the world, but they are also human. They must continue to get support, and that is one of my really important messages.”

When David (who is also a motivational speaker) isn’t on the ground in Ukraine he is talking about the plight of the Ukrainains and the work of the charity wherever he can, Jo holds the fort in Scotland, adding a personal touch to volunteers’ applications.

The core mission behind HopeFull’s work in Ukraine is not only to deliver humanitarian aid but to keep Ukraine on the agenda whilst communicating the support of the international community. David explains:

“The most important thing about HopeFull is our presence. We represent the international community. So wherever we are, people say, Ah, you come from other countries, you care about us! That is the message, that they have not been forgotten. Ukrainians are terrified that the West has forgotten, like they did in 2014 when the invasion started. The fact that we are present from other countries means the world to Ukrainian people. It brings Hope”

To communicate this message, many of the volunteers wear a kilt in Ukrainian colours.

Siobhan’s Trust was created by David and other members of his family in 2020 to commemorate the life of Siobhan Dundee, supporting young people and the environment in and around Dundee in Scotland. When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine occurred in February 2022, David, who runs the events and logistics business WildFox Events Ltd, took a leap of faith and with three friends drove two vehicles with trailers, one a mobile pizza oven, to the Poland-Ukraine border where they set up a field kitchen to help the thousands of refugees fleeing the country. Soon afterwards they started operating within Ukraine itself. He used the family charity Siobhan’s Trust which he helped to found as a fundraising vehicle so that he could act quickly. Now over two years on the name Siobhan’s Trust returns to Scotland and the work in Ukraine carries on under the re-brand HopeFull (whilst still retaining the same charity entity used before to help in Ukraine). Jo explains:

“Seeing queues of people on television triggered historic memories of the World Wars of the 20th century. Many of us lost family members who we still talk about – David and I felt empathy, sympathy and compassion for people facing this traumatic time in their lives and wanted to find a way to offer simple acts of kindness. Everyone likes Pizza!”

HopeFull provides support where the need is greatest, often in areas close to the Front Line that are “no go” for most NGOs and larger charities, where people are surviving without water, gas, heating or electricity. So far, HopeFull has attracted around 500 international volunteers to support the key team from the United Kingdom from countries as diverse as Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, France, Denmark and many more. They are also supported by key Ukrainian operatives. Some help for a couple of weeks, some stay for many months. David explains:

“It’s a really wonderful atmosphere; it’s very emotional. Of the many people who come, 90% return. It’s giving, it’s about love and compassion. It’s created something really magical that has a huge impact. We are hugely grateful to the more permanently based team in Ukraine who keep the show on the road.” 

The dedication and enthusiasm of HopeFull’s volunteers is clear to see. Seth from New York explains:

“I’ve come here to Ukraine to feed people and show a little bit of love from America.”

Pat from Buffalo, New York says:

“I came out here to help and serve the Ukrainian cause and community - I felt very strongly about it. I’ve had an amazing time and met amazing people.”

Luke from the UK says:

“I’ve come to Ukraine to put a smile on people’s faces - even if it’s just for a day - and have a good time and meet some wonderful people while doing it.”

HopeFull was recently joined by clowns from a Canadian circus to contribute to the positive atmosphere, they do face painting, give out footballs, anything to break the ice and encourage the children to relax and smile. When the children smile, their parents and grandparents do too.

HopeFull has a base in Lviv where they serve displaced people in the surrounding areas and a roaming team which goes further east where the need is greatest. They work closely with the Ukrainian authorities. David says:

“It’s exhausting, emotionally, mentally and physically, but we believe in Ukraine and we believe in its amazing people. I feel so passionate about Ukraine and that we do not forget Ukraine because it’s not just Ukraine’s war, it’s our war.” 

How to Support HopeFull

There are a number of ways you can support HopeFull. If you would like to volunteer with HopeFull, you can apply first by contacting Jo online, listing any relevant skills and experience you have. HopeFull recommends that you are able to commit to at least two weeks volunteering, due to the time needed to travel to and from Ukraine. When your application is received, you will then be offered a chat with Jo to ensure that you and the charity are a good fit.  They also have regular introductory zoom presentations for would-be volunteers which is a good way to meet other volunteers and to ask questions. You don’t need to have advanced cooking skills, just to be practical and good with people.  You need to be willing and able to spend long hours on your feet and to keep on smiling. Good spoken English is important to ensure your safety. HGV drivers are very much needed. 

If volunteering in person is not possible for you, you can also sponsor another volunteer to go. Setting up a fundraiser for HopeFull not only gives them more money to facilitate the pizza service but also spreads the word to other potential donors and volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer with HopeFull, you can contact Jo here volunteer@HopeFull.org.uk

Please consider following them on socials eg @HopeFull_charity on Instagram. You can make donations to HopeFull and find out more www.hopefull.org.uk Thank you.