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Ukraine Relief Aid Named Charity of the Year by Cohort plc

September 9, 2026

Ukraine Relief Aid has been named Charity of the Year by Cohort plc and awarded a £20,000 donation to support its humanitarian projects in Ukraine.

The award was presented during an event celebrating Cohort plc’s 20th anniversary at Drapers’ Hall in London. Ukraine Relief Aid was represented by founder and CEO Karol Swiacki, trustee Alastair Young, management team members Steve Hancock and Annmarie Randall, and Honorary Patron Richard Adlem MBE.

The charity expressed its gratitude to Cohort plc and its Chief Executive, Andy Thomis, for the recognition, generous donation and hospitality shown to the Ukraine Relief Aid team.

Accepting the award, Karol Swiacki said:

“It is a great honour for Ukraine Relief Aid to be here and to accept this award from such incredible people during such serious times. I would like to thank not only Cohort for this recognition, but also the British people for their unwavering support for Ukraine.

This award is not just for our charity, it belongs to every volunteer, donor, partner, trustee and friend who has stood with us since the beginning. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by this terrible war. Together, we are creating a better tomorrow.

As a Polish man standing before British people, I feel incredibly proud to be united with so many nations in defence of Ukraine and the values we all share freedom, dignity and hope. The support we see from people across the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine, the United States, the Netherlands, Norway and many other countries shows that when we stand together, we are stronger than any challenge before us.

We are fighting for the future not only of Ukraine, but of the whole free world. While humanitarian organisations like ours serve and support civilians affected by war, companies in the defence sector such as Cohort help defend our shared future. Together, we stand for freedom.”

Trustee Alastair Young added:

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Cohort plc for its generous award of £20,000 to Ukraine Relief Aid. These funds will support projects in Ukraine, including work with children’s orphanages and schools, helping to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the war.”

The award recognises the contribution of Ukraine Relief Aid’s volunteers, trustees, donors, partners and supporters in the United Kingdom and internationally. Their continued commitment enables the charity to deliver essential assistance to vulnerable people and communities across Ukraine.

The charity dedicates this achievement to everyone who has supported its work and remains committed to building a safer and more hopeful future for the people of Ukraine.