ORGANISATIONS and businesses in Bridgwater and the surrounding area have raised more than £10,000 to send vital medical supplies and other equipment to refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine.
Bridgwater Rotary Club has teamed up with Notaro Windows and haulage and distribution company RT Keedwell to collect, sort, and deliver aid to people affected by the conflict.
The equipment and resources will be delivered through rotary clubs in Ukraine and neighbouring countries including Poland, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Bridgwater Rotary Club launched its fundraising efforts shortly after Russian troops invaded last month.
The charity held a collection in Angel Place on the first Saturday after the invasion, and it was soon contacted by Sedgemoor District Council, Notaro Windows, RT Keedwell, and other organisations offering their support.
The rotary club are now collecting and sorting through supplies at Notaro’s warehouse in Huntsworth.
On Sunday, April 3, a lorry and driver supplied by RT Keedwell will leave Somerset to deliver the supplies to refugees via rotary clubs in affected countries.
The Highbridge-based haulage company has also completed much of the paperwork required to ensure the lorry can cross the English Channel and drive across Europe.
Mike Robbins of Bridgwater Rotary Club said: “There are more than 46,000 rotary clubs in more than 200 countries in the world and we all work together to support humanitarian crises that occur throughout the world.
“We can always respond quickly because we support and communicate with other clubs who are working on the ground where these situations and events occur, so these events are always on our radar.
“So as soon as we were aware of the situation developing, we launched our fundraising efforts and looked for partners who could help us.
“We are delighted that the Notaro Group and the RT Keedwell Group have now joined us with their significant help, and Western Fuel have offered to pay for all the fuel needed to get the lorry there and back.
“Like everyone, we have been shocked by the events in Ukraine and are keen to support the refugees and others affected by the war who face such a desperate situation.”
Asked about their involvement, Stuart and Dee Keedwell said: “We support Ukraine in these difficult times.
“We’ve got to do what we can. We know a lot of haulage companies are doing what they can to help, too.
“We’ve had a lot of support from the community, and we’ve had a lot of support from Western Fuel and Castlemead Insurance Brokers.
“When you tell people what you’re doing, they want to help you.”
Cheryl Notaro-Livingstone of Notaro Windows said the company has provided warehouse space for the donations to be stored and packaged.
In the appeal’s Facebook group, she wrote: “We are asking for your help as we urgently need donations to support families in Ukraine with first aid, medicines, and much more.
“There is a huge wave of refugees who are fleeing the war to the west of the country and to cross its borders into neighbouring countries.
“Our aim is to ensure the lorry is completely full before it starts its journey.”
Addressing the people who have already donated items or money to the Ukraine appeal, Mike said: “We send them our heartfelt thanks as, without these donations and support, none of this would be possible.
“We have already raised more than £10,000 to purchase critical medical equipment and are seeking further monetary donations.”
The organisations have published a list of items they are collecting for their Ukraine appeal, which can be seen in their Facebook group.
Notaro Windows can collect donations between 8am and 6:30pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays between 8:30am and 12pm.
Monetary donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Bridgwater Trust Fund (sort code 20-85-26, account number 60298050).
For more information, visit The Bridgwater Rotary Club Ukraine Appeal's Facebook group.
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