PEOPLE in Worcestershire have been desperate to help those caught up in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Donations drives have been set up by people looking at ways to help since Russia began an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday (February 24).

People have watched in horror as tanks rolled into Ukraine and have been rushing to help families fleeing the conflict.

More than 500,000 people have fled the country since the invasion with James Elder of Unicef speaking of “harrowing” scenes in Lviv, in western Ukraine.

Good Samaritans across the county have rolled into action to raise money or donate goods to charities supporting fleeing Ukrainians.

Malvern's help for Ukraine

Aleksandra Moore, owner of Malvern Bakehouse, has a house filled with boxes of donations after organising a collection.

She is collecting baby clothes, soft toys, first aid items, blankets and sleeping bags to be delivered to Poland for refugees.

Mrs Moore said: "We have been overloaded with stuff, every single hour someone is coming in with boxes or bags of stuff.

"The community's response is amazing you can see how very, very important it is for them and they want to help."

About 50 boxes have been donated and are currently taking over Mrs Moore's home until she is able to put them into vans on Friday.

She has a very personal reason for wanting to get involved: "My great grandparents had to escape from Poland during World War II.

"We would talk about it and I remember the impact it had on them."

For more information or to organise drop off call 07312109464.

Austin and Co in Worcester Road, Great Malvern is selling a 'Vladimir' dog toy with all money going to dog shelters in Ukraine.

The stationery shop posted on Facebook: "Sat here in Malvern, in a shop that sells nice cards and stationery, it's difficult to comprehend that less than 2000 miles away from us, a major European country is going through hell.

"I was thinking how a quirky independent shop in the English Shires could help the cause, and the only way I could think of is to do what we do best; a mix of our dry humour, quirk, and dogs.

"So following on from the highly popular dog toys featuring Boris and Trump (remember him?), we have secured a number of Vladimir dog toys."

How Worcester is supporting Ukraine

LikeU Worcester in Westbury Street has had a huge reaction to its plea for donations and is now looking for van drivers to drop off items in London.

It will re-open its doors on Wednesday, March 2 from 9am to 5pm and need items including helmets, drones, sanitary products and wound dressings.

A full list is available on its Facebook page.

The Alma Tavern, on Droitwich Road, is offering use of its wifi free of charge without by anything to anyone contacting friends and family in Ukraine.

A post on its Facebook page said: "As a team, we are horrified to read what is happening throughout Ukraine.

"Anyone who is familiar with our pub knows that we believe that nobody deserves to live in fear of bigotry, prejudice or deserves to suffer as a result of callous, cowardice individuals.

"Anyone contacting friends, family or any other loved ones in Ukraine, is welcome to visit The Alma Tavern and use our super fast wifi free of charge without making any purchases.

"You were here when we needed you and now we’re in a position to support our loved ones, you, our community. We all stand with the people of Ukraine."

Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club is holding a raffle with prizes including a weekend away for two.

Tickets cost £2 and are on sale at the club with money going to Red Cross Ukraine.

Evesham's help for Ukraine

NTL Fabrication and Welding Ltd has organised a shoebox-style appeal for people to send over hygiene products, toys and other new items.

People are asked to write on the box who the gifts are for and they can be dropped off at the unit on Weston Industrial Estate, Honeybourne, from Monday, March 7.

 

A Concert for Ukraine featuring Vocal High Excelsa Voces and will be performed at Pershore Abbey on Friday (March 4).

The concert begins at 7.30pm with tickets, costing £10 or £5 for under 16s, available from Blue, Broad Street, or the Town Hall, High Street.