Your Chad readers asked to dig deep to help Ukrainian refugees as they flee war with Russia
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Bogusia Kavanagh, who is married to James, and lives at Berry Hill, is calling for donations of essential items to help the families who have crossed the Ukrainian border into her former homeland and others still in Ukraine.
The 44-year old photographer, originally from Zamosc, is liaising with her old neighbours and friends in Poland, who are about 40 miles from the Ukrainian border.
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Hide AdMany of the displaced people are heading there, some are being taken in by local people, whilst others are seeking out family living there. Meanwhile, others are in shelters or in public buildings such as schools.
Now, an appeal has gone out to Mansfield folk, to donate items such as foods, including baby and pet foods, nappies, thermal underwear, blankets, sleeping bags, single-use cups, forks, knifes, plates, medicines such as pain-killers, bandages, heaters, tents and camping beds.
Some items, particularly inflatable or folding camp beds and sleeping bags, will also help people still in Ukraine.
The items are being collected at the Intake Business Centre, on Sylvester Street.
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Hide AdBogusia, is being helped by Alan Taylor and his son Mark, of Taylor’s Transport, Huthwaite. Mark will drive the goods for free in an articulated lorry, leaving on Saturday or Sunday. The journey will take several days and is 1,324 miles long.
Volunteers have already collected one van with items and clothing sent via Doncaster.
Appealing for items, Bogusia stresses general clothing is not needed in this delivery.
“The refugees are arriving in Poland with hardly anything, there are plenty of clothes being donated, but they need everyday essential items,” said Bogusia, who has lived in Mansfield since 2006.
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Hide Ad"There are lots of mums with babies, their men were not allowed to cross the border. They need everyday items, particularly things like baby foods and nappies, and adult foods that can be quickly and easily prepared, things like instant soups.
"Others arrive with dogs, so pet food is needed. In Ukraine, they especially need camp beds, they can’t be bought anymore, there are lot of people sleeping in shelters or anywhere they can, they desperately need them.”
Bogusia can receive items, from 5-6pm, today, Monday, tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday, at Sylvester Road.