Earlier this year, the appeal had to stop delivering their knitted items to Ukraine after its logistics partners were unable to continue facilitating the shipments.
Now, however, organisers have found new partners in Ferryspeed and Ukraine Relief – a charity headquartered in Bournemouth.
‘We are all extremely pleased that we are now able to continue sending the baby items to Ukraine, especially due to the current extremely cold conditions,’ said Kay Rawlins-Duquemin, who has knitted for the appeal since its inception.
The temperature in some parts of Ukraine has now dropped as low as minus 30C, and so the yarn-armed soldiery are more eager than ever to continue their knitted donations.
‘It is so wonderful to know that we can continue supporting this appeal. I felt quite bereft when I thought I could no longer make things for the babies in Ukraine,’ said local knitter Julie Payne.
‘Our help is needed by so many who are suffering in such cold and difficult conditions. It is so heart-warming to know that I can help them in such a little way.’
The new cooperative partnership with Ferryspeed and Ukraine Relief came just three weeks after operations were first paused, and the appeal’s donation points have already been reinstalled at Waitrose stores and various of the island’s churches.
The partnership will involve Ferryspeed managing the transfer of items from Guernsey to Bournemouth, from where they will be taken by Ukraine Relief and brought to Ukraine.
‘I am truly overjoyed to hear that the appeal has secured this new partnership with Ferryspeed and Ukraine Relief in Bournemouth. It means so much to see such meaningful support coming together for such an incredible cause,’ said knitter Hayley Duquemin.
The appeal’s founder, Lilita Kruze, was similarly delighted.
‘We are extremely grateful to Ferryspeed and Ukraine Relief for responding to our request and look forward to fruitful cooperation,’ she said.
‘I also thank our supporters for their patience and encouragement. Several of them have been with us for almost four years and were saddened when we had to suspend operations for an indefinite period. Less than three weeks have passed and we are back on track. Thank you for your trust.’
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