KIND-HEARTED Warwickshire residents have sent 16 tonnes of vital supplies to help refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine – and vowed to despatch more.
The Engine pub in Kenilworth has spearheaded a drive to deliver aid to the Ukraine-Poland border.
Locals at the pub were so horrified by the scenes from Ukraine they decided they had to do something to help them.
Now, the community has stepped forward to fill a shopping list of essential necessities – 16,000 kilos worth around £50,000.
The aid mission is being orchestrated by dad-of-two and businessman Doug Leaf who has set up Ukraine Aid Relief – Kenilworth.
The first lorry left for Poland on Monday with pallets loaded up at Castle Farm leisure centre.
Mr Leaf said: “Only three weeks ago we set out to gather together some essential aid for those people who have had to flee their homes on an uncertain and stressful journey.
“The Kenilworth community can take great pride in knowing that they have played their part with the immensely overwhelming amount of donations.
“We’re not done yet but so far we have dispatched approximately 16 tonnes of essential aid. The cash value is well in excess of £50,000
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am to everyone involved.”
Locals donated items including warm clothing for women and children, first aid kids and towels at two drop off points in the town.
Goods can be dropped off at the former Hays Travel store at 23 Talisman Square and the Castle Farm leisure complex off Fishponds Road. Both locations will accept goods from 10am to 4pm, except on Sundays.
The Engine’s landlord Ted Bear said: “Like everyone, we are horrified to see what is unfolding in Ukraine and we want to play our small part in trying to help.
“We know the people of Kenilworth are always willing to stand up and be counted and we know they will again, here.”
More than 3.5million refugees are already estimated to have crossed into Europe.
What’s wanted:
– Women & children’s warm clothing (washed, in good order & ready to wear) such as: coats, jumpers, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, shoes, underwear, pyjamas;
– Insulated ground sheets;
– Bed linen/sheets/High tog quilts;
– Emergency thermal blankets;
– Inflatable mattresses;
– Towels;
– Sleeping bags (cold weather and waterproof);
– First aid kits;
– Disinfectants and dressings, bandages, plasters, sterile dressings;
– Baby kits, milk formula, biodegradable nappies and wipes;
– Sudocrem, Savlon, lip salve, Calpol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen etc;
– Female hygiene products;
– Adult and children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste;
– Toys and games;
– Colouring books, pens, pencils;
– Paper towels, liquid soap, shampoo and toilet paper;
– Tea bags;
– Dry food;
– Tinned food;
– Torches and appropriate batteries;
Or to make a cash donation – Lloyds Bank Sort Code 30:94:93 Acc. No: 76247168 Name – Mr D Bastone.
