Skewb’s commitment to community and impact is once again brought to life in a powerful way, as Senior Delivery Manager Dan Smith prepares to embark on a meaningful humanitarian mission- driving essential aid across Europe to support some of the most vulnerable communities in Moldova.

Setting off on June 11, Dan – whose team at Skewb supports the flow of critical data across multiple gas networks, helping clients deliver the mains replacement programme and respond to operational challenges – will join a humanitarian convoy transporting essential supplies to hospitals, rehabilitation centres and disability facilities in one of Europe’s poorest countries.

This will be Dan’s third convoy – following previous journeys in 2017 and 2018 but his first in several years, after heightened geopolitical challenges and border restrictions made such operations increasingly difficult.

Delivering More Than aid

The convoy will travel thousands of miles from the UK to Moldova, carrying a van packed with life-changing equipment. The supplies include; Industrial washing machines and dryers, cookers and dishwashers, hospital and medical equipment, sensory materials for children with disabilities and essential items such as blankets, duvets and cleaning supplies.

The destination includes a maternity and children’s ward in the capital Chișinău, as well as the Phoenix Centre – a rehabilitation facility supporting children with disabilities and providing vital respite for families.

For Dan, the mission is about far more than logistics.

“You don’t just deliver the aid; you see the impact first-hand. You meet the children, you spend time with them and you understand what that support really means,” he explains.

Dan’s involvement began nearly a decade ago when he volunteered at short notice to step in as a driver for a friend. That friend was part of the Communication Workers’ Union Humanitarian Aid (CWUHA), which was organising the convoy.

What started as a spontaneous decision quickly became a defining personal experience for Dan.

On his first trip, he helped deliver aid to an orphanage, an experience he describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding. Returning the following year, this time alongside his father, he witnessed the long-term impact of the support first-hand.

“To see how the equipment we’d brought had helped children develop, how they’d grown in confidence and independence, that stays with you,” he reflects.

One moment stands out when some of the children with disabilities performed a ballroom dance routine during a visit in 2018.

“It was incredible. Seeing their joy, their progress, it just makes you realise how important this work is.”

Community Powering the Mission

This year’s convoy is being driven by strong community support from Skewb colleagues, leadership and the wider network.

Dan has already raised over £4,900 with the help of Skewb, with combined efforts expected to exceed £10,000 – funds that will go directly towards purchasing supplies and equipment.

Importantly, the model ensures maximum impact with all travel and accommodation costs self-funded by participants, vehicles and fuel supported by Royal Mail and all donations going directly to aid and on-the-ground support

“Every penny goes to the people who need it. You can see exactly where it ends up, that’s what makes people trust and get behind it,” says Dan.

Navigating a Complex Landscape

This year’s convoy also comes with additional challenges. Moldova remains a sensitive region due to its proximity to Ukraine and the country is currently supporting a significant number of refugees.

Cross-border logistics, regulatory hurdles and safety considerations have made the journey more complex but the convoy has now received the green light to proceed.

Despite the challenges, Dan remains focused:

“There are always unknowns but the need is there and now feels like the right time to go again.”

More Than a Journey

Alongside the physical challenge, the convoy is also a personal one.

Dan describes the experience as an opportunity for reflection, perspective and gratitude, something he plans to capture this time through storytelling and creative writing during the journey.

“It reminds you how fortunate we are, our health, our communities, the support systems we have. It changes your outlook.”

That perspective is something he credits in part to Skewb’s culture.

“There’s a real sense of community at Skewb. Whether it’s charity work or just supporting each other day to day, it brings people together in a meaningful way.”

How to Support

Dan and the team will continue fundraising in the lead-up to the convoy and every contribution, big or small, plays a part.

If you’d like to support the mission, you can donate via JustGiving:

👉 Search for “Daniel’s fundraiser for CWU”

You can also help by sharing the story and spreading awareness.

From logistics planning and van-packing puzzles to thousands of miles on the road, this convoy is a true reflection of what happens when purpose meets action.

And as Dan and his team prepare to set off, one thing is clear;

This isn’t just a journey across Europe, it’s a journey to deliver real, lasting change.