Fire Service plays a part in helping refugees fleeing Ukraine
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has been playing a part in helping refugees fleeing Ukraine by collecting essential items and donating equipment for firefighters.
The Service appealed to the public and colleagues to donate essential items for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and was overwhelmed with donations.
In just under two weeks, the Service collected 750 boxes of donations at Great Baddow Fire Station.
All donations that could not be sent like clothing and food was donated locally.
The Service has also been working with the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC) to identify any spare and ready to use equipment that can be sent to firefighters in Ukraine.
A number of charity car washes have been and are being held at fire stations across Essex to raise funds for the Red Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine and at its borders. So far, these have raised more than £1,500.
Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “As a Fire and Rescue Service, keeping people safe is at the heart of what we do. I am immensely proud of our team who have been offering to help in any way that they can alongside our partners in Essex.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that has donated to our collection at Great Baddow Fire Station. We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by our residents and local businesses and together, we’ve packed 750 boxes of essential items including nappies, wipes, medical supplies and food.
“I am so proud of our Service and how we as a county have pulled together to support everyone affected by this conflict.”
Joanna Lisowska-Dyer, Fire Safety Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service started the collection at Great Baddow Fire Station on Monday, 28 February after getting in touch with contacts she has in the Polish Fire Service who will be distributing the donations at the Polish border.
The donations are ready to be delivered to Poland later this week.
The Service is also working with partners across Essex to help during this time. Find out how you can get involved in your area here: facebook.com/groups/eiuforukraine.
