Community rallies to help Ukrainian refugees

Organisations across our patch have stepped up to the mark since news that hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced from their homes in Ukraine.

One of the effects of the Russian invasion has been that around a million people have now been forced to seek asylum outside their country.

Many, including families with young children, had to leave their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

So a wide range of items are needed to help ensure they can at least look after themselves as they find safety from the effects of the war.

Northampton Saints launched an appeal earlier this week, with today as the deadline, and a comprehensive list of requirements.

My 1st Years, a baby equipment company based in Northampton, has also launched an open-ended appeal for items.

They are looking for:

Its offices at 4 Cheaney Drive, Grange Park NN4 5FB are open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for people to drop off donations.

Anyone who might struggle to take donations there, or who has bulk items to donate, should contact richard@my1styears.com or call 07599912721.

In a statement, the company’s co-founders, Daniel Price and Jonny Sitton, said: "We have been shocked and saddened to see the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.

"My 1st Years have been working with Goods for Good and donating our products to help vulnerable families in need for the past five years.

"It was important for us to continue our support with their new Rescue Project in Ukraine by opening our warehouse in Northampton as a ‘drop-off hub’ for donations of food and essential items.

"As a brand, My 1st Years are here to celebrate all of little ones' milestones and our thoughts are with all the families and children affected by this terrible conflict."

National and international appeals include:

• The Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal (The UK government will match public donations to this pound-for-pound starting with £20 million)
• The British Red Cross
• The UNHCR refugee agency
• UNICEF
• Save The Children

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “It’s amazing the number of appeals which have been launched to help people fleeing from this terrible situation.

“We’re keen raise awareness of these appeals and to encourage people to give whatever they can, in whichever way they’re most comfortable, to support people who are now even without some of the basics we all take for granted.

“As always, the people of West Northants are responding with huge compassion through the support they’re already offering, and all we can hope is that the war in Ukraine is short lived and people will be able to begin building their lives there again.”

For more information on supporting the relief effort, please visit the Government’s website.