Crews continue Ukraine donation effort

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has collected enough donations to fill two lorries for refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The Service appealed to colleagues to donate essential items for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and has been overwhelmed with donations.

Items including, clothing, toiletries, food and toys have been donated to two organisations - Darlaston All Active and CTR Group - who will transport the goods to the Polish border for the Polish Red Cross to distribute.

Crew Manager Anthony Doolan, who organised the appeal said: “We are truly grateful for every donation we have received and have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.

“The goods have now been collected and are currently being sorted and packed ready to start distribution shortly.

“Every single donation will make such a difference to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

“Once again a big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to help our appeal.”

The donations were in addition to five hundred emergency winter packs which have been donated to Ukraine as part of a joint project with partners to help those affected by the conflict.

The packs, containing a thermal hat, scarf, gloves, travel mug and thermal fleece blanket, have also been collected ready for delivery to the Ukraine.

Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service and charity ‘Beat The Cold’ teamed up for the project with staff and volunteers at Rugeley Fire Station helping to pack up the boxes.

Mark Downes, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Prevent Delivery Lead, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide the winter warm packs to those who really need them.

“We hope that by providing these we are able to show the people of Ukraine that we care and are united in our support of them as they face this period of uncertainty and displacement.”

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "We've all been shocked and horrified by the events unfolding in Ukraine and as a county we stand with all those affected and ready to help should it be needed.

"We are pleased that this project will go some way to help people in the country who have been displaced and, in some cases, have lost everything they own.”