Over the past year, Europe has seen one of the worst crises it has experienced in decades. 

This time last year the world watched on in disbelief as Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Women, children, and the elderly fled the country whilst men were ordered to stay and fight, however, they were not alone. 

Aid flooded in from all corners of the world in support of the Ukrainians defending their nation. 

News and Star: Damage caused to a Ukrainian town during the conflict Damage caused to a Ukrainian town during the conflict (Image: Supplied)

In the UK, one group, in particular, has offered a significant amount of donations and financial support. 

The Freemasons have given £1.15 million in financial aid since the war began one year ago. 

The Cumbrian branch has been particularly involved, giving large donations and sending members over to Ukraine and Poland to meet with those affected firsthand. 

News and Star: A van load of supplies are taken to Ukraine A van load of supplies are taken to Ukraine (Image: Supplied)

READ MORE: Cumbria Freemasons contribute to grants for Ukrainian refugees

Neil Dixon, of the Cumbria Freemasons, said: " Now it's a year on, we are very proud to have been able to help the people of Ukraine when they so desperately need it.

News and Star: Ukrainians receive food and supply packages from Cumbria Freemasons Ukrainians receive food and supply packages from Cumbria Freemasons (Image: Supplied)

"To think that a group of Freemasons, from a small area in the north of England, can help is amazing, it makes us very proud. 

"We have been over to deliver aid twice now, as we went again in November.

"We got some photos from Kyiv from the small community where it went and it's been heavily affected by war and it hits home when you see this.

News and Star: Ukrainian children who have been caught up in the conflict Ukrainian children who have been caught up in the conflict (Image: Supplied)

"As an organisation we have donated over 1.15 million, and every member of Cumbria Freemasons will have made a contribution. 

"Kindness and charitable giving are at our hearts as Freemasons and it's one of our core principles. 

"We are very proud of our 300-year history of this, and it's heartwarming when we can help like this.

News and Star: Ukrainians receive aid from Cumbria Freemasons outside a church Ukrainians receive aid from Cumbria Freemasons outside a church (Image: Supplied)

READ MORE: Cumbria Freemasons deliver supplies to Ukrainian border

"Our outstanding support will continue to make an impact and change lives."

The war in Ukraine is still ongoing as president Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues the battle with the help of the people of his country. 

News and Star: A Ukrainian soldier receiving an aid parcel A Ukrainian soldier receiving an aid parcel (Image: Supplied)

Charities, businesses, individuals, and organisations are continuing to provide ongoing support through many means. 

READ MORE: Groups in Cumbria do their bit to help during Ukraine crisis

News and Star: Military vehicles being led through the streets of Ukraine Military vehicles being led through the streets of Ukraine (Image: Supplied)