So many items have been handed in to Dumfries-based charity, Massive Outpouring Of Love – D&G Refugee Action, that it has asked for a fortnight’s break in donations.
A spokesperson for MOOL said: “We are truly overwhelmed but we are going to have to stop taking donations for the next couple of weeks. We need time to sort and pack the wonderful donations that have come in.
“We can’t thank you all enough for your fantastic generosity. We will be very glad to take stuff in again after a couple of weeks.”
The charity, which help refugees in the UK, France and across the world, had to appeal for more volunteers to help with the volume of donations it has received.
And they have had some of “the busiest days since the start of MOOL and certainly since 2015”.
They have been given use of a depot at Marchmount Drive, by the council, for a month to sort and pack aid for the Ukrainian refugees in Europe.
And people have been dropping off items on a list of goods specifically needed as MOOL works with a number of agencies to get the aid to the refugees. They have also been taking in goods at their base at St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall.
The MOOL team has also had word back that the van loads of food and supplies already sent from the region to help have made it refugees. A post they received on their Facebook site said: “Spotted aid from Dumfries and Galloway being distributed to refugees around Wraclow (Polish city) yesterday.
“Well done. The area had 100 families already and a further 150 due tomorrow.
“Not sure if the aid came from you directly but as your geographical area covers the region, thought I’d mention it here. Well done D&G.”
MOOL would like to thank the stallholders at Dumfries Farmers Market for giving them a collection space in aid of the Ukraine Crisis. More than £250 was raised.
And the organisers of the town’s recent anti-war rally – DGQueerier, IWWW Solway and Dumfries TUC – who allowed them to have collection buckets which raised more than £650 towards transportation costs of the goods to the Poland/Ukraine border.
The spokesperson said: “It’s astonishing and really humbling. It will make a big difference to the project and the help we can get to people.”
Lochmaben Church sounded an appeal for aid and Winifred Dickie, who was involved, said: “Donations flooded in from individuals, groups, local shops and businesses.
“The willingness to help and show support to the Ukrainian people was overwhelming and deeply humbling.”
Yoga From The Heart Dumfries is holding a yoga fundraiser at Lincluden Community Centre on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm to raise cash for MOOL’s Ukrainian refugee work. Find out more on how to take part at: www. yogafromtheheartdumfries.com
Anyone who would like to help MOOL with donations of goods or funding – in a fortnight’s time – should check online at: https://www.mool.scot/donations-wed-love/ for what is needed.
