About Us
Medical Aid For Poland is dedicated to providing essential medical supplies and support to the people of Poland. We believe in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need and strive to ensure access to quality healthcare for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver vital medical aid to underserved communities in Poland, focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing urgent medical needs. We are committed to saving lives and promoting the well-being of individuals and families across the country.
Our Vision
Our vision is a Poland where every person has access to comprehensive healthcare services, and no one is left behind due to lack of medical resources. We aspire to build a healthier and more resilient society through our humanitarian efforts.
Founded in 1981
In August 1981, in the midst of the Polish people's struggle against communism, the Federation of Poles in Great Britain received a letter from Solidarity Chairman Lech Wałęsa appealing for medical aid. In September Dr. Bożena Laskiewicz and her colleagues sent the first container of supplies from London to Poland. The Medical Aid for Poland Fund was founded shortly afterwards.
On 13 December 1981 General Jaruzelski declared Martial Law and sent tanks on to the streets of Poland. We sent our first three trucks of aid in January and two in February 1982.
In total we sent 335 trucks. In 1988, free at last, Wałęsa was able to come, see one off, and thank us.
Over the years we have sent millions of pounds of assistance, including 175,000 hearing aids, numerous artificial limbs, rehabilitation equipment, insulin pumps and specialist medicines. Today we can buy our supplies mostly in Poland.
Registration
The Medical Aid for Poland Fund was registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales in 1982.
Trust Deed
The original Deed establishing the Medical Aid for Poland Fund as a Trust was signed on 10 March 1982. Two of those appointed, Dr Bożena Laskiewicz and Artur Rynkiewicz. On 2 November 1993, resignations of the other two Trustees, Dr Joanna Zakrzewska Ledóchowska and Bruce Dehn, Solicitor, were accepted with regret, and Andrzej Błoński and Irma Pietroś were appointed in their place. These changes were confirmed by way of Supplemental Deed signed on 6 April 2010. Artur Rynkiewicz passed away in 2019. Dr Anna Bentkowska was appointed in his place. Her appointment was confirmed by way of Supplemental Deed signed on 6 January 2020. Andrzej Błoński passed away in 2024.
Article 3 of the original Deed states that the Objects of the Charity are the relief of suffering and deprivation of Polish people who are in conditions of need, hardship, or distress or who are in need of medical aid. Article 6 gives the Trustees wide-ranging powers over matters including the raising of funds, appeals, investments, and the application of funds.
Executive Committee
All members of the Executive Committee, including the Trustees, work for the Charity on an honorary basis, i.e. without remuneration. Many people help as volunteers. Between 1998-2020, three staff were employed on low wages paid for, together with all other administration costs, out of the surpluses earned by the MAPF charity shop, so all financial donations could go to Poland.