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Permalink Reply by Anneke on April 1, 2022 at 4:29am

So very kind of you Sandy. From here we have made a financial donation to all in need, we have a special bank number in the Netherlands for this tragedy.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Chiplen on April 2, 2022 at 11:28pm

Thank you Sandy.

In Wales, like the rest of the UK, we have had lists of what items are needed for the refugees. Towns and villages have had collection points for our donations and they were overwhelmed with the generosity of the public who wanted to help. Then the message changed, that  financial donations were preferred and were most needed, rather than donating goods.

The safe ways to donate are:

UNICEF Emergency Ukraine appeal, Ukraine Crisis Appeal, The Red Cross and Save the Children. All of these are actively supporting the refugees on the ground.

We have had this message from our government:

Donating essential supplies

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through.

Organisations across the UK are gathering essential supplies, such as clothes, first aid and sanitary products. Many charities and community groups will have lists of items they need.

Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground.

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Permalink Reply by P. Jeanne Haessler on April 3, 2022 at 7:40am

Thank you for adding this Chris. I know that collected items in the UK will help arriving refugees in the UK and other close by countries but knowing that cash can help, even the smallest amounts, is a relief too.  There are indeed many worthy charities working "on the ground" in Ukraine and surrounding countries and I'm relieved I can help in this way. 

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Permalink Reply by Gloria Grandy on April 3, 2022 at 4:41am

Thank you Sandy, Anneke and Chris.

I agree that a donation of funds is the best way to support both those who need aid, and those distributing that aid.  Like Sandy, my initial thought was blankets.  After all, that's what we do best.  However, after careful research I discovered that it was not a very practical way to donate.  Financial donations are the best and fastest way to help.

Another organization I was directed to is World Central Kitchen.  It appears there are quite a few agencies that will channel our donations to where they are needed most..

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