Ukrainian Appeal

Initially the local Polish community had asked for support/donations to help Ukrainians crossing the border into Poland, but this had required to be expanded into Ukraine and was aimed at all ages.

The core group of helpers was assisted by 2 collection shops and 2 volunteer drivers who took the donations to Peterhead for further shipment.

The group does not ask for money, but rather donations of goods. The group focusses on what is useful and can be reasonably collected from the local public. Examples of those receiving support included many orphans, the general public and soldiers, with these groups benefitting through clothing, bedding, handbags, toiletries and Santa sacks and in the case of troops at the front line, hundreds of hand warmers made with material remnants donated by Johnstons of Elgin. All donations forwarded are aimed at making life better. Hazel expanded on the reality of how poor life is in Ukraine, not least in the rural areas, hence children’s backpacks with toys, games, toothbrushes and pencils. All donations were packaged with the message “with love from Moray, Scotland”.

Local events such as a tombola, coffee mornings and a Christmas Fair had ensured thousands of packages going to Ukraine, while Facebook was an effective means of spreading the word. The work of the group would continue, with the devastation in Ukraine likely to take years to address.