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Ripples in the Water – How Help Starts Moving

06.01.2026 hrs 19:35
At Caravan to Ukraine, we strongly believe in the idea of ripples in the water that keep spreading. You know how it goes: one person gets involved, tells another, who calls a third - new ideas are born, everything grows, and suddenly almost miracles happen, all because of that first, seemingly insignificant ripple.

Let’s take an example.

Jenny’s Example – The First Ripple

In October 2025, Ukraine activist Jenny von Knorring joined a Caravan - she drove an ambulance down to Ukraine. Jenny quickly understood what we do and appreciated what she saw.

So what did she do - what became that first ripple?

A long conversation and a meeting with her childhood friend Jozef from Slovakia.

From an Idea to Concrete Action in Slovakia

Together, they decided to do more - to make those ripples spread. After active scouting in Slovakia, they found an organization willing to cooperate: a laboratory ready to donate medical equipment to the war-affected country.

And this was no small donation.

It involved biochemical analyzers with a combined weight of 864 kg. A biochemical analyzer measures and analyzes bodily fluids, such as blood, to determine levels of, among other things, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, proteins, and enzymes.

These machines provide fast and accurate diagnostics, supporting precision care. The analyzers’ value was over €190,000.

The Delivery – Inspection, Muscle, and Customs Paperwork

Before shipment, all equipment was inspected to ensure everything would be ready for immediate use in hospitals in Ukraine.

Muscle power was needed, too - specifically seven Slovaks (more ripples!) to move the sensitive equipment into the transport vehicle.

And there was a mountain of customs documents and bureaucracy. But Jenny and Jozef didn’t give up. Even though the Slovak customs officer struggled to understand the complex equipment, the process dragged on far into the night before the shipment finally crossed the border.

The Outcome – In Use and Saving Lives

But the most important thing is this: on Christmas Day, Kharkiv’s ambulance hospital received two biochemical analyzers. And now they're in use - saving lives.

The third analyzer will soon be transported to a hospital near the eastern front. Deliveries to the final destinations are handled by our fantastic partner in Ukraine, Initiative E+.

That’s Why We Believe in Ripples

Do you see what happened here? From a vague idea - “should we do something?” - to the delivery of extensive, life-saving medical equipment to three Ukrainian hospitals.

That’s why we at Karavanen believe in ripples in the water!

Your Ripple – Your Chance

So take a moment to pause and see if you can catch a ripple and help it grow. And never forget: together we are unbelievably strong - Jenny, Jozef, and E+ have proven that.