War is a true test for any nation. It brings with it destroyed homes, broken lives, and countless deaths. Yet it is also a test of compassion, for it is in these darkest times that true kindness, generosity, and care are revealed. Today, we want to talk about charity in Leeds during wartime. Read more about this on leedsyes.com.
Charity During the Second World War
Leeds was an important industrial and transport hub in West Yorkshire during the Second World War. Consequently, voluntary and charitable organisations were highly active here. The local community of Leeds came together to support servicemen, the families of prisoners of war, the wounded, and those affected by the consequences of the conflict.
Several charitable organisations in Leeds collected money, food, clothing, and medicines for soldiers at the front, while also assisting families who remained on the home front.
As you may know, Leeds suffered from several enemy air raids during the war. For this reason, local charities channelled funds into rebuilding homes, providing temporary shelter, and offering medical care for the injured. Charitable organisations in Leeds worked in partnership with the Red Cross and other international organisations to coordinate aid for the wounded and civilians.
It is also worth noting that, through the Lend-Lease system, the United States supplied Britain with weapons, machinery, and food — part of a large-scale programme of allied material and humanitarian aid. Leeds played a key role in receiving and distributing this support thanks to its extensive infrastructure.
Charity in Modern Times
The 21st century has seen numerous wars and armed conflicts around the globe. However, few expected a full-scale war to erupt in the heart of Europe in 2022. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The United Kingdom, and Leeds in particular, could not remain indifferent. That is why Leeds became actively involved in humanitarian and charitable support for Ukraine. As a major regional centre of West Yorkshire, the city organised numerous initiatives — from fundraising and humanitarian aid to supporting refugees and helping them integrate.
Local communities, churches, charities, and volunteer groups collectively raised and sent hundreds of thousands of pounds to Ukraine. Major charity hubs played a key role, alongside local initiatives organised via social media and crowdfunding platforms. Leeds also became a crucial centre for collecting and packing medical supplies, food, clothing, and other essential equipment to be shipped to Ukraine. According to 2024–2025 data, over 100 tonnes of humanitarian cargo were dispatched through Leeds.
Volunteer centres in Leeds provided housing assistance, medical support, language courses, and employment services for Ukrainian refugees. As of 2025, more than 3,000 Ukrainian refugees had received help in the region.
Across the UK, more than €19 billion in aid has been directed to Ukraine, with a significant share coming through local initiatives in cities like Leeds. Furthermore, our city is considered one of the regional leaders in western England in terms of volunteer numbers and the volume of aid collected.
It is important to note that volunteers in Leeds work closely with international organisations, such as the Red Cross, to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian shipments.
We hope you found this article informative and that you have learned more about your home city.