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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Nicola Findlay

Lanarkshire charity helps Ukrainian refugees fleeing deadly conflict in homeland

An East Kilbride charity has said it is ready and willing to help Ukrainian refugees if any come to Lanarkshire.

Share Alike is well-versed in helping those in need locally and is now joining the massive humanitarian effort as Ukrainian refugees pour into neighbouring countries fleeing war in their homeland.

In the short term the EK charity are concentrating their efforts on gathering essentials to be sent to Poland where many refugees have fled.

A crate has been placed outside their town centre premises and they are asking locals to donate what they can.

More than one million people have fled since the invasion by Russian President Vladamir Putin's forces began.

Kyiv remains in Ukrainian government control and a large Russian armoured convoy is some distance away - but other cities have fallen.

Destruction in Sumy (SUBMITTED/ AYRSHIRE POST)

Ukrainian officials said this week at least 2000 civilians have been killed.

Annmarie Campbell from Share Alike said she and her volunteers will do all they can help.

"As an organisation we are well-used to helping those in crisis here and now want to help Ukrainians suffering due to conflict," she said.

"We wanted to do something straight away but had to sort logistics first.

"Polish people we know have organised vans to take supplies to Poland to be distributed among refugees.

"And the folk of East Kilbride once again showed their amazing generosity as within a few hours of us putting a crate outside our base it was overflowing. Yet again the community has really come together and outdone themselves.

"Our immediate focus is on getting items to Poland be distributed by the Red Cross but if refugees come here we stand willing and ready to help, like we have done for others."

More than one million people are believed to have fled Ukraine (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Goods which can be left outside the Share Alike base in Righead Gate in the town centre - across from the rear doors of Marks and Spencer - include: toiletry packs; back packs; warm winter clothing; nappies; baby boxes; small toys/soft toys/activity sets for children; blankets and food items that don't require cooking such as cereal bars.

Annmarie went on: "My volunteers and I will work over the weekend to make up back-packs for children which will have the likes of clean clothing, hats scarves and gloves, a soft toy and activity, some toiletry packs and a wee bit of food in it. If we are able we may also tie a kid's warm winter jacket to it.

"I just wanted to do something to make the children more comfortable. A wee toy or blanket or wipes can mean the world to people in crisis - they have absolutely nothing."

For more information on how to help go to the Share Alike Facebook page.

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