John Parker, the recipient of the prestigious Humanitarian Star Award at the 2023 Stars Night Awards, is a man whose determination and courage have aided hundreds of war victims in Ukraine. His initiative, "John's Red Bus," is not only a humanitarian mission but also proof that one individual can change the fate of many people, saving lives and delivering hope during the most difficult times. In today's interview, John shares the beginnings of his work, the challenges he has faced, and his plans for the future of his mission.

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When I asked John what inspired him to embark on such a large and dangerous mission, his answer was clear: family history. Parker explained how the fate of his grandfather, a war orphan, influenced his decision to get involved in helping the victims of the war in Ukraine. "I always felt I had to do something. War, suffering, and hopelessness—these stories were present in my family. When the war in Ukraine broke out, I felt it was my duty to help," John said.
Without wasting time, Parker purchased a red van, which became his tool and a symbol of the mission. This is how "John's Red Bus" was born—a rapidly growing initiative. Since early 2022, John has organized 27 missions to Ukraine, delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, clothing, and power generators, especially crucial during times of severe electricity shortages in the country.

The Biggest Challenges – Fighting for Every Mission
War is chaos, and John had to face physical hardships and the complex logistics that made every trip unpredictable. "Every journey is a struggle—not just against the dangers of war but also the lack of resources. There are difficulties in securing funds, problems accessing military-controlled areas, and the constant risk of shelling—this is our daily reality," Parker explained.
However, despite these challenges, the "John's Red Bus" mission continues to deliver aid where it is most needed. John has safely transported numerous refugees and animals to European countries, where they found safety and shelter.
During the interview, John shared some of the most memorable stories. One of the most touching moments was helping children who had lost their parents due to the war. "When I saw their fear and pain, I knew I had to do everything in my power to save them," John recalls. For many of these children, Parker became a hero, and his red van—a symbol of safety and hope for a better tomorrow.

John also spoke about rescuing animals—dogs and cats left behind in the war zone. "Animals, like people, suffer during war. Many refugees left their pets behind in panic. To me, their lives are just as precious. We managed to save and transport many animals to safe homes," he shared.
I asked John what the Humanitarian Star Award, which he received during the 2023 Stars Night Awards, meant to him. John said it was a great honour. According to him, the award is not only a recognition of his hard work but also a tremendous motivation for further actions. "What I do is not for fame or recognition, but this award made me believe even more in the purpose of my mission. People started to take an interest in my work, and because of that, more people want to help," Parker says.

John has no intention of stopping. His goal is to further develop "John's Red Bus."
During each trip, he is accompanied by his loyal dog, Rocco, who has become an integral part of the mission. Rocco is not only John's faithful companion but also a source of comfort for those they help. Children who have gone through the horrors of war often find solace in him. "Rocco is a hero alongside me," John says with a smile.

John Parker has simple advice for everyone: "You don't have to be rich or have superpowers to help. All you need is the will. Every bit of help, no matter how small, is important. Start with a small step, and you'll quickly find your way to providing even greater help."
John Parker's efforts are proof that an individual, equipped with courage and empathy, can change the world. His "John's Red Bus" mission is not just about delivering humanitarian aid—it’s also about delivering hope, love, and the belief that even in the darkest moments, a ray of light can be found.

Editor Maria Anna Furman