Council provides practical support to help the people of Ukraine

The Council is playing a key role in a local humanitarian aid appeal to help the innocent people caught up in the current Ukrainian conflict.

It is providing “We Stand With Ukraine” with a shop unit in Newcastle town centre, free of charge, to use as a collection point for community donations to the war-torn country.

Organisers Maria Leligdowicz and Olena Cresswell, who come from Ukraine, have family members caught up in the conflict. They are accepting donations at 17 Merrial Street, next to the old police station, on weekdays between 10am and 3pm, and then 5pm to 7pm, and 10am to 1pm on weekends.

Items currently being accepted include – sleeping bags, thermal/warm clothing, baby food and nappies, painkillers, sanitary products, toiletries, first aid kits, bandages and flasks. Medical supplies, included painkillers, are priority items at the moment.

The appeal is also raising money to pay for the transport of supplies from Newcastle-under-Lyme to Lviv. 

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “The situation in Ukraine is terrible; our thoughts are with the many innocent families affected by the ongoing fighting. At times like this it’s heartening to see the good in mankind and people pulling together to help in any way they can. The Council is keen to provide practical support; it’s pleased to play a part in the delivery of essential items to Ukrainian citizens by donating the use of a central retail shop unit to Maria and Olena. Residents and businesses are also horrified by the conflict so I know they will get behind their valiant campaign.”

Maria added: “The response to our appeal is overwhelming. We’re being inundated with offers of help and support from the local community. We would like to thank the many people who have generously donated items, made financial contributions and given up their time to support the appeal.

“The Council’s decision to donate the use of a shop is absolutely fantastic; it’s a significant helping hand for us. The collection point is in a central location in Newcastle, with roadside parking, which provides really easy access. We’re very appreciative of the support provided by the Council and how quick they’ve made this happen.”

For more information, please contact Maria on 07525766699.

Last updated 7 March 2022