A BOURNEMOUTH charity is set to celebrate months of hard work with a special Christmas event.

Ukraine Relief are preparing to host their very own gala at the Carrington House Hotel this December.

The event will be an opportunity for the charities hundreds of supporters to enjoy a well-earned break, whilst raising money for Ukraine.

Karol Swiacki, the founder of Ukraine Relief, said: “We’re coming together to enjoy our time outside of work. That’s the main thing.

“It’s going to be a really great night.”

Ukraine Relief was first launched as Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine in February, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It quickly became Bournemouth's biggest fundraiser for the war-torn country, and gathered support from dozens of global companies. 

Then in the summer, it was rebranded as Ukraine Relief in a move towards worldwide recognition.

Throughout its journey, it has kept a core team of volunteers, who have dedicated their time to sorting donations for Ukraine.

The gala is set to welcome these hard working individuals, as well as staff from Castlepoint Shopping Centre who, for months, have provided a warehouse for the charity’s donations.

There will also be a number of Ukrainian artists, mayors from across the conurbation, and other elected officials attending the event.

Karol revealed there will be an auction taking place on the night to raise funds for the charity- and with some extra special items up for grabs.

He said: “I spoke to a friend of President Zelenskyy on the phone. They are so impressed with our work that they’d like to give us some of his items for the auction. We’ll even have his own bike.”

On top of this, there will be “award-winning catering”, and awards presented throughout the night to volunteers, and businesses who have supported the cause.

The Christmas gala will be held at the Carrington House Hotel on Friday, December 16.