Fire Service set to deliver two lorries of donations for refugees in Ukraine
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has collected enough donations to fill two 7.5 tonne lorries to be delivered to the Polish border next week for refugees fleeing Ukraine.
The Service appealed to the public and colleagues to donate essential items for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and has been overwhelmed with donations.
Joanna Lisowska-Dyer, Fire Safety Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service started the collection at Great Baddow Fire Station last Monday, 28 February. Joanna got in touch with contacts she has in the Polish Fire Service who will be distributing the donations at the Polish border.
In just over a week and a half, donations have filled more than 300 boxes.
Joanna said: “We are truly grateful for every donation we have received and have been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity.
“So far, we’ve filled just over 300 boxes with essential items like nappies, wet wipes, tinned food and pet food. We’re on track to fill two 7.5 tonne lorries which will deliver these essential supplies to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
“I’d like to say a big big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to help us with this appeal. From our staff who have kindly volunteered to sort through donations and have given their time and donations generously.
“And a BIG thank you to our public and local businesses who have been so generous. Every single donation will make such a difference to people whose lives have been turned upside down.
“We’ll be taking collections up until 3pm on Saturday, 12 March, ready to be delivered next week.
“Due to the amount we’ve received already, we’re unable to take any more clothes, unless it is new items for newborn and premature babies. We also have lots of nappies, wet wipes and dog food but are looking for food for cats and small pets.”
You can drop donations to Great Baddow Fire Station, Longmead Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7DF.
Corringham Fire Station is also collecting donations that it will deliver to Great Baddow Fire Station. You can drop donations Corringham Fire Station, 43, Fobbing Road, Corringham, Essex SS17 9BN.
The Service is also holding a number of charity car washes on Saturday 12 March, where all donations will go to the Red Cross for refugees in Ukraine.
Charity car washes will be held at:
- Canvey Island Fire Station
The Service has suggested items below to donate:
- Flasks
- Batteries
- Formula Milk for babies
- Pain Killers
- Calpol
- Bandages
- Torches
- Power banks
- First Aid Kits
- Army boots
- Pet food - for cats and small animals
The Service is also working with partners across Essex to help during this crisis. Find out how you can get involved in your area here: facebook.com/groups/eiuforukraine.
