Cleethorpes ex-servicemen head to Ukrainian border

Three former servicemen from Cleethorpes will be undertaking a journey to the Ukranian-Polish border to help refugees fleeing the current invasion.

For the past week, Russian forces have been invading Ukraine, with continuous shelling on Kyiv and Kharkiv.

According to figures released by the UN Refugee Agency over a million people have now fled the country, with over 400,00 crossing into Poland.

Filippo Grandi, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, tweeted: “In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries.

“For many millions more, inside Ukraine, it’s time for guns to fall silent, so that life-saving humanitarian assistance can be provided.”

The figure accounts for more than 2% of Ukraine’s entire population.

Many local businesses have started collecting donations to aid refugees in need of clothing, food and supplies.

Now, encouraged by local woman Emma Louise Kosakowska’s vigil and donation drive for Ukraine, three local men will be travelling across Europe to the border of Ukraine and Poland.

The team will be delivering donations to those most in need of help at this incredibly difficult time.

Our MD, Matt Stinson, and fellow ex-servicemen Dan McDaid and John Hamill, all from Cleethorpes, will be taking three vans filled with donations from thoughtful locals.

Matt Stinson said: “This just feels the right thing to do. If we were going through something like this, we would want someone to do the same.”

The 23 hour drive will begin next Wednesday, with the group set to arrive in Hrubieszow the end of the week.

The team are currently carrying out a donation drive and are calling on locals to donate the following items:

Nappies in all sizes
Baby wipes
Sudocrem
Breast pads
Porridge
Powdered milk for babies
Juices
Baby puree & jars of food
Toiletry products for women and children
Sanitary products for women
Towels
Brushes & combs
Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Disposable crockery
Liquid paracetamol & ibuprofen for children
Bedding
Sweet sugary drinks and snacks

Donations can be dropped off at Harrison, Navigo House, or Weelsby View before the morning of Tuesday the 8th of March. Monetary donations can also be made via Emma Louise Kosakowska’s GoFundMe page.

Vehicles and fuel have generously been donated by Richie from Associated British Ports, Alan from Great Coates Motors and Evie from Blue Tower Services.

Updates to follow.

Contact Gi Grimsby
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