New Forest For Ukraine group transporting goods to war-torn refugees

VOLUNTEERS have been busy helping a newly launched New Forest for Ukraine group.

Local people have developed a network of collection sites, including Industrial Heaters and Setley Ridge Farm Shop, M&G Business, My ‘N’ Ers Cider, East Boldre Garage and Redcliffe Garden Centre.

They ship donations to a sorting hub supplied by Coffee Mongers at Lymington Enterprise Centre, Ampress Way, and pack the donations.

The group works with other large-scale distribution networks or ships the products directly using a team of drivers who have already made five trips to Poland.

Fundraisers have also been helping by completing mini-marathons and two-hour exercise sessions.

John Stanton, one of the coordinators, said: “We could not sit and just watch – we all wanted to do something and that is how New Forest for Ukraine started.

“We were able to quickly pull together a group of volunteers who all wanted to help, but also had great skill sets which has made the group function so effectively.

“From logistics and distribution channels, to drivers and Ukranian/Polish speaking nationals to branding/website designers and mums, vets, retired business owners and other key community groups wanting to help, the team has just been amazing.”

The group has set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for the transport costs of the vans going to the Poland.

More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page or www.newforestforukraine.co.uk