A major effort has been under way at Annan’s Newstart Recycle to collect and send hundreds of donated items to help Ukrainian refugees.
Vans full of goods including 7,000 face masks, knitted children’s and baby items, plus everything from sleeping bags to first aid equipment and dried dog food have already been sent on their way to eastern Poland for those fleering the war.
And many more vans have been filled and are ready to go.
Newstart’s Tony Nisbet told the Standard they have been working in partnership for the past three years with an organisation that takes its excess clothing, bedding, textiles to Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria.
And when the Russian invasion began he was quick to contact them to ask if they needed help with the humanitarian crisis of the fleeing Ukrainians.
Armed with a list of required goods Tony mounted a social media appeal for donations and volunteers to help.
And a plea for drivers to collect items was immediately answered by two Dumfries and Galloway councillors, Sean Marshall and Archie Dryburgh.
Tony said: “We would not have managed without the help provide by the volunteers who have stepped up.
“Ann McCulloch, Niki Armstrong and Katie Johnstone have worked tirelessly to sort out and package the different items. Thanks also to Dave McCracken for making the leaflets for us to put in all your packages.
“A massive thanks to all the organisations, businesses, families and individuals who have brought the most amazing amount of vitally needed aid.
Newstart has also been working in co-operation with the Association of Ukrainians in the UK.
