West Norfolk communities come together in humanitarian effort for Ukraine
A huge humanitarian effort has begun across West Norfolk this week in response to the war in Ukraine.
Since Russian forces invaded the country last week people have come forward in their scores to deliver necessities to those in need at the border.
One such person is Aga Oczos from Lynn, who is asking for donations of basic necessities to send to Ukraine.
Mrs Oczos made the appeal on social media, after speaking to those at the Poland and Ukraine border on Facebook.
She said: “I spoke to the people and asked them what they needed as a priority. They said the number one need was bulletproof helmets and vests - we can be in no doubt of their position.
“I started this because I needed to from the bottom of my heart, it’s simply the right thing to do.
“We are organising these things thinking it will help someone survive. They are so far from smiling right now so providing food, medicine and baby milk it increases their chances of getting through this.
“We are lucky here in the UK. We think about holidays and what car will I buy now – it’s been taken away for all of those people.”
Mrs Oczos also has a petrol donation link on her page crowdfunder.co.uk/p/donation-for-ukraine–charity-lorry-charge to help those struggling with fuel within Ukraine.
The donations have been so overwhelming that Mrs Oczos is now appealing for storage space at the Hardwick in Lynn and is organising a further two lorry loads to be sent within the month.
Collections will be held on Saturday from 10am-3pm at Sensient Industrial Colors on the Hardwick Industrial Estate.
Elsewhere, Bar and Beyond in Norfolk Street hosted a collection event yesterday afternoon after offering its premises as a collection point for the British Red Cross.
A spokesman for REKOM UK, the venue’s operators, said: “The plight of Ukraine caused by Russia’s attack has touched many people who want to help in some way.
“We wanted to do something too, so we are supporting the British Red Cross by holding the clothing collection on Thursday.
“If anyone wants to drop off clean clothing that is in good condition and is securely packed in bags we would be very grateful.
“A number of our venues are supporting the initiative. At this stage we are only able to receive clothing donations.”
On Tuesday, the Hanseatic Union and Access Support for Migrants had a show of solidarity in the town, with people grouping together outside the Access Support building to show solidarity and peace. They were also collecting for medical supplies to be bussed to Ukraine.
And Vets 1 has teamed up with supermarkets to create collection baskets at the entrance to Tesco stores in the area. Shoppers will be able to donate nappies, baby milk and more. The collection baskets are in place at the Lynn Hardwick and Downham sites.
Meanwhile, a vigil organised by Norfolk for Europe will also be held for the people of Ukraine will be taking place outside the Minster in Lynn, on Saturday from 6pm. The event will also raise funds for the UNHCR appeal for refugees.
