Candles for Ukraine (CfU)
Candles for Ukraine (CfU) is V-Aid’s humanitarian recycling programme that transforms unwanted candles into long-burning emergency candles for families affected by the war in Ukraine.
Working with churches, community groups, businesses and individual supporters, we collect used candle wax that would otherwise be discarded and carefully remanufacture it into practical emergency candles.
Each candle provides a simple but essential source of heat, light and the ability to cook or boil water, bringing comfort and hope to people living through extremely difficult conditions.
Why Emergency Candles Matter
For many families affected by conflict, reliable electricity and heating cannot always be taken for granted.
Our emergency candles are designed to provide practical support during power cuts, damaged infrastructure and harsh winter conditions. Each candle can provide up to four hours of:
- Heat
- Light
- Cooking facilities
- The ability to boil water
Something as simple as a recycled candle can make a genuine difference to a family trying to stay warm, prepare food or simply bring light into the darkness.
How It Works
Every Candles for Ukraine project follows a simple but effective process.
Used candles are collected from churches, homes, businesses and community organisations before being carefully sorted and cleaned by V-Aid volunteers.
The wax is then melted, filtered and poured into specially prepared containers with new wicks, creating durable emergency candles that are suitable for humanitarian distribution.
Finished candles are packed and supplied through trusted humanitarian partners who ensure they reach the communities that need them most.
From Waste to Warmth
Thousands of candles are discarded every year despite containing perfectly usable wax.
By recycling this wax, we reduce waste while creating practical humanitarian aid that provides warmth, light and hope for families living in extremely difficult circumstances.
It is a simple idea that turns something often thrown away into something that can genuinely help save lives.
Community Volunteers Making a Difference
Candles for Ukraine is powered by volunteers.
People of all ages and backgrounds work together to collect, prepare and manufacture emergency candles in safe, organised volunteer sessions.
No previous experience is required. Whether you can spare a few hours or regularly volunteer with V-Aid, every candle you help produce contributes towards supporting families facing hardship.
The project also provides valuable volunteering opportunities that help build confidence, develop practical skills and strengthen community connections.
Supporting Ukraine Together
Every emergency candle represents more than practical aid.
It represents kindness, solidarity and the knowledge that people across the United Kingdom continue to stand alongside the people of Ukraine.
By working together with local communities, charities, churches and humanitarian organisations, we can ensure practical support reaches those living through incredibly challenging circumstances.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support Candles for Ukraine.
You can help by:
- Donating used candles and leftover candle wax.
- Organising local candle collection points.
- Volunteering at one of our production sessions.
- Introducing V-Aid to churches, businesses or community groups.
- Supporting the project through donations or fundraising.
- Helping us spread awareness of the project.
Every contribution, no matter how large or small, helps provide warmth, light and hope to families who need it most.
Our Impact
Candles for Ukraine is helping transform the generosity of local communities into practical humanitarian support for families affected by war.
Every emergency candle prepared by V-Aid volunteers represents compassion in action—providing warmth, light and reassurance when it is needed most.
The project also creates meaningful volunteering opportunities, bringing people together to make a genuine difference while strengthening communities here in the UK.
Working alongside churches, community organisations and humanitarian partners, we are ensuring that simple acts of kindness continue to make a real difference to people facing extraordinary hardship.
Every candle produced is another reminder that even the smallest contribution can help bring hope during the darkest of times.
