VOLUNTEERS across the constituency have thrown themselves behind the appeal for humanitarian aid to support those fleeing and fighting for their Ukrainian homeland.
Residents in Yaxley, Sawtry and Woodston were among the first to respond and MP Shailesh Vara visited one project a few days ago to hear first-hand how local people are playing their part. Among them were Alla Irodenko and Yuriy Zhuravel, leading members of the Ukrainian community in Peterborough who have been co-ordinating efforts based at St Olga's Church in Woodston.
The church was overwhelmed by local response, with excess goods being transferred to the East of England Showground where there was more space for sorting and packing. From there, boxes were transferred to the Brightfield business hub for onward transportation to Ukraine. The co-ordinated effort between these three centres was overseen by Peterborough City Council Think Communities.
Ms Irodenko told us: "The Ukrainian community is very grateful for the widespread support which warms our hearts. In this time of need the whole world is standing shoulder to shoulder with us and we thank Mr Vara and all those who have come to our aid."
District councillor Kevin Gulson, who helped co-ordinate a similar project launched by Yaxley Parish Council, said they too were similarly overwhelmed. Donations were packed and transported to the Polish Saturday School in Huntingdon for onward transportation to London, where shipment was arranged to Poland. Kevin said: "We are now asking people to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee which can put funds to better use on the ground. We await further information on refugees who may be housed locally at which time we may well re-open our appeal to support families as necessary."
Shailesh added: It is wonderful to see volunteers everywhere coming together to help those in desperate need. I give huge thanks to the public who have been extraordinarily generous with their time and their donations, including local businesses who kept the Woodston volunteers supplied with food and drink while they were working."
Photo: Shailesh at St Olga's in Woodston, known as the Ukrainian church
