2022 Winner

Steven Carr

 

Founder of a charity that supports Ukrainian orphans – and who recently led a mercy mission to rescue children from the war zone.

Steven is the driving force behind Dnipro Kids. The charity was born after Hibs played Ukrainian side Dnipro in the UEFA Cup in 2005. Travelling fans held a collection for a local orphanage, and maintained links after returning to Scotland, founding the charity and setting up a sponsorship scheme for orphans.

When Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, came under attack,  Steven formed a plan to rescue a group of 50 children from five orphanages. “I kept it to myself at first, in case our committee tried to talk me out of it,” admitted Steven. 

After flying to Poland, Steven went to the border to assess the situation. He then organised a bus from Poland to Lviv to transport the children and their carers to safety in two separate voyages. 

After an agonising two-week wait for visas, and a specially arranged flight from Warsaw, the children arrived in Callander, Stirling in March, whilst preparations were made for a longer term stay in Edinburgh. 

Steven explains: “They consider themselves one big family group, so we had to find somewhere to accommodate 50 children and adults together. Luckily we did thanks to the help of so many people, too many to mention. We are so grateful.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I am sure Scotland will open our hearts to these children and treat them with warmth, dignity and compassion.

“A huge thank you to Steven Carr and all those involved with Dnipro Kids for their tireless work on behalf of these children.”