Individuals and community groups across Wales are wroking together to support Ukrainians and refugees who've fled their country in the wake of the Russian invasion.
Volunteers have launched donation drives to collect clothing, food and essentials which will be driven to Poland from where they will be distributed to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees.
Such has been the response, many centres have been overwhelmed and had to pause collections until they can make room for more after the first loads are sent.
Read more: Historic Westgate Hotel packed to the rafters with donations from Wales bound for Ukraine
The Welsh Government has advised people who want to show their support for the Ukrainians to send cash rather than goods. They said: "We understand that many people in Wales will want to do all they can to help them in their hour of need. With many logistical routes closed and transportation systems under significant pressure, sending physical goods could add more stress to the situation on the ground.
"Making cash donations, to organisations responding to the crisis in Ukraine, allows for emergency relief goods to be sourced locally."
They recommend that financial donations be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee. Other charities on the ground ready to help are the Red Cross or Medicins Sans Frontiers.
Some places are still taking donations however - for the latest list of donation points for the Ukraine Appeal in Wales, read here. It is by no means a definitive record, however, so please check your local listings for other collections in your area.
It's important people donate the items which are really needed on the ground. Wrexham's Polish Integration Support Centre is coordinating a donation drive for money and has listed the following key items which are urgently needed to help people on the Ukraine-Poland border:
- Foil survival blankets
- Toys
- Nappies
- Sanitary towels
- Crayons
- Towels
- First Aid Kits
- Sleeping bags
- Metal cups
- Thermal clothing
- Hairbrushes
- Shampoos
- Toothbrushes
- Children's clothes
- Bandages
Anyone planning to visit a drop-off centre is further advised to check up on the site’s social media accounts or call ahead beforehand for more information on which resources are most in demand to avoid a surplus, given that the situation on the ground is changing all the time.
In Cardiff, Castle Climbing is also welcoming donations, with a particular focus on practical kit:
Some other collection points are listed below, with details on the items deemed to be urgently needed:
Sklep u Pauli, Bridgend
This Polish supermarket is accepting donations for Ukraine during opening hours – 9am to 7pm Monday-Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. All donations welcome barring clothing.
Address: 8 Derwen Road, Bridgend, CF31 1LH
Park Vets, Cardiff
Accepting donations at its Cardiff site – but says it is in need of assistance transporting items to a larger collection point in Newport. If you can help, please contact the business.
Clothing is no longer required but volunteers are collecting food with a long expiry date, toiletries and medical products until 7pm on Wednesday 2 March.
Address: Sanatorium Road, Cardiff, CF11 8DG
02920382211
Supermarket ABC, Newport
Organisers say they are especially keen to receive donations of baby products (including nappies, modified milk, bottles and wet wipes), feminine hygiene items, thermal blankets, sheets, pillows, rain coats, toiletries and hygiene products.
Instant food like soup, dried fruit and nuts, pasta, canned meat or fish, coffee, tea and sugar is also appreciated.
Address: 158-152 Chepstow Road, Newport NP19 8EG
01633961601
Rogue Fox Coffee House, Newport
Le Pub at 14 High Street in Newport is also accepting donations during opening hours as part of the Women of Newport campaign group, as is the Rogue Fox Coffee House (Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm).
Organised by local resident Kamila Jarczak, this latter operation is asking for toiletries, baby nappies (different sizes) and wipes, sanitary products, dog and cat food, batteries, flashlights and candles, thermal clothes, hats and gloves, duvets, blankets, sleeping bags and pillows.
Address: 3 Clytha Park Road, Newport NP20 4NZ
01633250647
Supermarket ABC, Swansea
Organisers say they are especially keen to receive donations of baby products (including nappies, modified milk, bottles and wet wipes), feminine hygiene items, thermal blankets, sheets, pillows, rain coats, toiletries and hygiene products.
Again, instant food like soup, dried fruit and nuts, pasta, canned meat or fish, coffee, tea and sugar is also appreciated.
Address: 18 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8AQ
08438868235
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