refugees

A Blandford resident whose family live in Ukraine has been running an appeal with her friends for aid donations to help refugees fleeing the war-torn country. Svetlana Parkinson, who lives in Blandford, appealed on Facebook last week for big-hearted local residents to donate items to help the humanitarian response to Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. And today, Friday 4 March, lorry-loads of donations were leaving the south coast bound for the UkrainePoland border, where tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have already fled. “Myself and my friends including from Sturminster Newton, Blandford, Shillingstone and Charlton Marshall last week organised an appeal on Facebook to help,” said Svetlana. “Riverside Taxis’ minibuses are helping us take the donated boxes of items [today, Friday March 4] to Southampton, where there is a big Polish community.

By David Edbrooke “The community there will be delivering the goods on HGV lorries to the Ukraine border.” Svetlana, who is originally from Kharkiv, a city in northeast Ukraine now under attack by Russia, added: “I never thought this [invasion of Ukraine by Russia] would ever happen. “My mother and father – my family – is in Ukraine. I’m in touch with them via social media every day, but it’s unbelievably worrying. “I would like them to move, but the great majority of people are staying – they want to stay where they belong. “It’s terrible, the country is being bombed constantly.” Dozens of local businesses and community centres came together last week to offer support for the Ukraine refugee appeal, including the Vale Pantry, Shillingstone Church Centre, Virginia Hayward, and Christine’s Puddings, to name but a few. And throughout the week, local volunteers sorted and packed the donations at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. Councillor Carole Jones, from the Vale Pantry, said: “Hundreds of people have been dropping off donations here – local support has been incredible.” Another local resident involved in the appeal, Michelle Gibbs, said: “Ukrainians are the most incredible people and the local response to our appeal has been amazing.” The donations from generous local residents have included disposable nappies, clothing, toiletries, medical equipment, long-life food, disposable cups and plates, baby food, hi-vis jackets, thermal blankets, hand warmers, thermos flasks, torches, and small toys. Alex and Emma Young at the Ginger Viking cocktail bar-café in Blandford are continuing to run a second appeal for shoebox donations. Alex said: “After the first 45 minutes [of the shoebox appeal] at least 150-200 shoeboxes full of items had been delivered to this dropoff point – and now there are many more. “It massively shows the overwhelming generosity of local residents. Every item will make the world of difference to someone who has lost everything. “We’ve had people turning up with cars full of items – clothes, shoes, toys, colouring books for kids – all for the appeal. “People have been very emotional when coming to the drop-off point here with kids’ clothes for Ukrainian children. Everyone is appalled by Putin’s actions.” ●People can still donate shoeboxes full of items for Ukraine, to the Ginger Viking on East Street (DT11 7DR) in Blandford. Opening hours for donations: Monday & Tuesday 10am3pm; Thursday & Friday 10am-3pm and 6pm-11pm; Saturday 10am-11pm. ●Armishaws Removals are also collecting donated items and shoeboxes, to be sent to Ukraine. Items can be dropped off at the head office, Wincanton Business Park, BA9 9RU.

More than 40 people came together to pray for Ukraine in the market square at Blandford Parish Church on Monday. A prayer station has been set up at the front door, for anyone who wants to pray.

(Photo by Nicci Brown)

Some of the donatons brought to Ginger Viking