The war in Ukraine has brought unimaginable suffering to millions of people, with countless families displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and an entire nation struggling for survival.
Amidst this chaos, a British charity named HopeFull stepped in to provide a small yet meaningful source of relief—hot, fresh pizzas served from specially equipped vans.
Founded by David Fox-Pitt MBE, the charity served over 2.5 million pizzas across 1,800 locations in Ukraine, offering moments of joy and comfort to those in desperate need.
However, due to rising safety concerns and financial struggles, the organization has now decided to bring its operations to a halt, marking the end of a heartfelt mission.
A Mission of Hope and Solidarity
HopeFull was not just about serving food; it was about providing a sense of normalcy and connection during the most challenging times. The charity’s volunteers, including Jozef Mycielski from Sedbergh, traveled across Ukraine, bringing warmth and kindness through something as simple as a pizza.
Many of the people they served had lost their homes, loved ones, and their sense of security. For them, these meals were not just nourishment but a symbol of global solidarity and compassion.
The charity operated with a fleet of vehicles, one of which was named “The Sedbergh Wolf,” after the emblem of Sedbergh School. This van alone was funded by £60,000 in donations from the school’s community, demonstrating the collective effort behind HopeFull’s mission.
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Over the years, the charity raised over £3 million, allowing it to continue its humanitarian work despite the increasing challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
Challenges and the Inevitable Decision to Stop
Running a large-scale humanitarian mission in a war zone comes with immense risks and difficulties. In the last three years, HopeFull’s vans traveled more than 600,000 kilometers, navigating dangerous roads and volatile areas to reach those in need. However, as the war continued, the safety of volunteers became a growing concern.
Mr. Mycielski explained that the charity had already withdrawn from eastern Ukraine a month prior due to security threats. The remaining fleet relocated to the relatively safer Lviv area, but after years of constant use, the vehicles were worn out and battered.
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Another significant challenge was funding. With global attention shifting to other crises and the inevitable “fundraising fatigue” setting in, HopeFull struggled to raise the £10,000 per week required to sustain its operations.
While donors had been incredibly generous, the prolonged nature of the war made it increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of financial support.
A Legacy of Compassion and Resilience
Despite the sadness surrounding its closure, HopeFull leaves behind an incredible legacy. Over 500 volunteers played a role in delivering more than 2.5 million pizzas to Ukrainians in need, turning what could have been just a simple meal into a moment of happiness and human connection.
For many Ukrainians, these pizzas represented more than just food. They symbolized the world’s acknowledgment of their suffering and resilience. In a country where more than 70,000 people have lost limbs, millions suffer from PTSD, and entire cities lie in ruins, even a small act of kindness can make a difference.
While the pizza vans will no longer operate, HopeFull’s mission is not entirely over. The charity has shifted its focus to a new initiative called HopeFull Future, which aims to assist servicemen, medics, and their families in rebuilding their lives. This transition ensures that, even though the food trucks are no longer on the road, the spirit of HopeFull continues to support those in need.
David Fox-Pitt expressed his gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who made this initiative possible. Though the journey of serving pizzas in Ukraine has come to an end, the impact of HopeFull will be remembered by the millions of people whose lives it touched.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏