Hundreds of islanders are keen to donate to Ukrainian appeal
GENEROUS islanders arrived in their hundreds to drop off donations for the people of Ukraine.
Queues of people lined up outside the former Land of Green Ginger shop, carrying bags, suitcases and boxes full of items in demand by those displaced by the conflict.
Polish restaurateur Natalia Silvester organised the event with the primary aim of supporting children who have been forced to flee their homes.
She said she had not had a chance to sleep or eat since donations starting arriving in droves even a day before the drop-off was launched.
‘It’s been spectacular, I am speechless,’ she said.
‘I am entirely moved by what is happening – it really hits home. We all have parents, cousins, siblings and people just want to give.’
Just over an hour after opening, more than 300 boxes had been filled ready to be loaded into a van, which was doing intermittent trips to ensure the shop did not run out of room.
Community resuscitation development officer Mike Froome had spent his week asking friends to bring him items to donate.
‘I didn’t think I was going to have to queue – what a great response.
‘There has been such a good response from Guernsey people in general.’
He also plans to donate medical kits that are no longer needed by local businesses.
All items that are donated will be sent out to Polish organisations and charities and distributed them to where they are most needed.
One group had chosen to bring towels, bedding and pillows.
‘We read that it was bedding and things like that which are really needed.
‘We had quite a bit of stuff at home,’ said local teacher James Miller.
With him was thirteen year-old Naomi Chanter.
‘It’s really amazing how the island comes together in this way,’ she said.
A full list of required items can be found on the Crepe Maison Facebook page.
The drop-off will be open from 4pm – 8pm today until Wednesday.
