29
Apr
Knaresborough man launches fundraising campaign to give Ukrainian schoolchildren a holiday
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A Knaresborough man has launched a fundraising campaign to help bring a group of Ukrainian schoolchildren to the district for a holiday.
Bob Frendt, who recently returned from his 17th trip to Ukraine, said he had set up the initiative to help give the children a break from the war.
Bob, 75, has made multiple visits to the country since the Russian invasion in 2022 to deliver fire engines, aid and even Easter eggs to care homes and hospitals.
Now, he is aiming to raise £20,000 to help bring 15 Ukrainian children to the Harrogate district for seven days, where they will visit York, Scarborough and even play a football match against Knaresborough Celtic.
Most of the children are orphans due to the war and Bob said he wants to give them a "a short view of life in a peaceful location".
Bob said:
These people are going through hell and it [the war] is off the front pages now. It is awful.
On my last visit, these kids took us into the bunkers under their school. They go to bed at night and do not know if they are going to get up the next day.
To help raise the funds, Bob has organised a classic car and supercar event at Knaresborough House which will help people to showcase their vehicles. Food, drinks and other attractions will also be available.
The event, which is being run by Knaresborough Revolution, will be held on July 5 and costs £10 a car to book in for the show.
People will be free to view the car themselves and donations to Bob's campaign can be made on the day.
All proceeds will go towards bringing the schoolchildren to the Harrogate area, which is expected to take place next year.
A Ukrainian child with an Easter egg which Bob delivered to the town.
The move comes as Mr Frendt is set to host seven visitors from Volodymyr, where he made his most recent visit in March, who will be coming to watch the Knaresborough Bed Race and pave the way for the children to come to England.
Bob was instrumental in moves to twin Knaresborough with Volodymyr a few years ago.
He said his visit to the town in March saw him visit local schools, care homes and hospitals to deliver aid, duvets and Easter eggs.
Bob told the Stray Ferret that it made him determined to give the schoolchildren a break from the horrors of the war.
He said:
I want them [people in Knaresborough] to meet these people from Volodymyr. It is alright giving aid or eggs, but it is something else to meet the person who receives it.
All proceeds are going to the fund to bring these children from a war torn situation to a lovely town like Knaresborough for just a short view of life in a beautiful, peaceful location.
Those wishing to donate to Bob's campaign can contact him on 07836514952 or on email bobfrendt@aol.com.
More information on the classic car and supercar show can be found here.
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