A multicultural aid mission is underway in Dumfriesshire to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing into Poland from the Russian Invasion.
Annan’s Mary MacRae (nee:Mychalyschyn) has joined forces with Krystrian Klicki and his wife, Adela – who run Polish Shop Dino in Dumfries – to take a lorry load of goods into Poland at the weekend and they are appealing for residents across the region to donate.
Mary said: “We couldn’t stand by and do nothing and I know a lot of people around the region feel that way too. So we have joined forces to make this happen.
“We have a list of items we know are desperately needed right now so we are urging people across the region to help us. We must stress though that we do not need food or clothing – it is specific goods that we can take for this weekend’s first load.”
They are looking for:
• Sleeping bags
• Duvets
• Pillows
• Bedding
• Children’s toys
• Toiletries for women, men and children
• Sanitary products
• Hot water bottles
• Flasks
• Torches with batteries
• Wind-up torches.
They can be dropped off at the Ukrainian Chapel at the former POW camp at Hallmuir near Lockerbie (signposted) between 2pm and 4pm Today (Tuesday), Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 5pm on Saturday – ready for taking to Poland on Sunday.
Mary said: “The sleeping bags, bedding, pillows and duvets do not need to be new but they must be clean and in a good condition please.
“I’ve never done anything like this before but I know people have big hearts and care about what is happening so I hope they will be quick and bring whatever they can. I am also looking for volunteers from the local area to turn up at the Ukrainian Chapel during these hours to help me.”
The same items can also be handed in at the Polish Shop Dino at the bottom end of the Loreburn Centre in Dumfries (opposite New Look).
Krystian and Adela, who are also collecting at their shops in Carlisle and Maryport, said: “We need people to be quick so that we can take this first van over to Poland on Sunday. We are planning more trips after that as long as we get the goods donated.
“It is a humanitarian crisis and it is important that we act quickly to do whatever we can to help. It is very cold there and the refugees urgently need this equipment.”
Mary added: “Anyone who wants to help but can’t get here to donate goods can make a cash donation online to the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal on Gofundme which has been organised on behalf of the Association of Ukrainians in Great
Britain for medical aid and relief.”
