‘Amazing’ Response to Ukraine Crisis
Tens of thousands of pounds has been raised by North East clubs in a ‘swift and generous’ response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Clubs across the region have pulled out all the stops, from sponsoring lorries going to Poland, to direct donations to agencies such as the Red Cross, the Disasters Emergency Committee and through Rotary Foundation.
Street collections, appeals and loading goods and medical supplies are among many ways clubs have stepped up to help.
District Governor Alan Cartwright said: ‘The response from clubs and members across the North East has been as swift and generous as you would expect. It has been amazing to see so much commitment and effort.’
Up to the Bulletin deadline Middlesbrough Erimus club had collected more than £26,000 from clubs, which is going directly to their partner Rotary club in Zamosc in Poland, which is just 50 km from the Ukraine border and is seeing many of the effects of the war and the burgeoning refugee crisis. €10,000 has already been sent.
Many clubs have contributed to alleviating the crisis already, some sending money to Middlesbrough Erimus, others direct to other agencies, with more coming in all the time.
Durham Elvet has donated £2,000; Darlington £1,000; Stokesley £500; Alnwick £2,200; Birtley £650; South Tyneside £1,000; Newton Aycliffe £3,500; Sunderland £2,500, Sunderland Satellite £1,700; Barnard Castle £500; Seaburn £500; Sedgefield £350; Hexham £8,200; Hadrian’s Wall £350; Newcastle £1,000 and many more.
Help has been coming in in other ways – for example Cleadon and District Rotary donated £250 to an ex-Rotarian who is driving across to Ukraine to take supplies and to volunteer.
Derwentside and Consett worked with the Consett Covid and volunteers Group. There was an unprecedented response to an appeal and they filled three lorries going to Poland, with another one to go, with much needed supplies. Derwentside raised £1,700 towards the project.
Alan said: ‘It is expected that all these totals will continue to rise as Rotarians do what they do best – step up in a crisis and do whatever they can to help.’
All figures are correct at the time of going to press.
Watch Rotary North East social media for updates: Twitter @RotaryNorthEast, Facebook Rotary North East England, website rotary-ribi.org North East England