NFRS supports Ukraine Humanitarian collections

Have you been wondering how you can help the humanitarian effort in Ukraine?

Last week (28 February - 6 March), many of our Fire Stations including Ashfield and Highfields were overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities. Hundreds of thousands of items were sent to Ukrainians in need, with the help of local organisations like Taylors and the Polish Scouting Association.

Due to the overwhelming response, and in light of recent advice from the Polish Embassy, we are now encouraging our communities to instead make a donation to a local charity supporting those in need.

• The #HelpUkraine Emergency Appeal has been organised by a partnership of Ukrainian Churches, community organisations and youth groups across the UK to provide essential aid to those in Ukraine who will be affected in the event of war. The Ukrainian community in Nottingham is well established, with the parents and grandparents of many coming to the UK as refugees after WW2. Many have family in Ukraine and are deeply concerned for their safety. You can donate to the #HelpUkraine Emergency Appeal (opens in a new tab), supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Centre AUGB Nottingham.
• To directly support refugees and asylum seekers, there are Nottingham-based charities such as the Nottingham Arimathea Trust (opens in a new tab), and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum (opens in a new tab). They work to support refugees as they arrive into this country.
• Alternatively, you can visit Stockhill Fire Station on Saturday 12 March for a fundraising car wash for Ukraine. Bring your car along from 10am to Stockhill Lane, NG6 0LG.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin said "It has been wonderful to see the efforts of our communities and crews in helping the people of Ukraine. The items donated to us are hugely appreciated, and we ask anyone else that would like to get involved to consider making a donation to a recognised organisation that will use the funds for assistance and effective operation in the long-term."

George Singh, from Lowmoor Pharmacy in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, donated to Ashfield's appeal on Friday 4 March. Mr Singh said "It's fantastic to see the local community getting together and donating. It just shows when things like this happen in the world, people don't think twice, they do whatever they can, no matter what situation they're in. I think it's all going to make a massive difference."

Dariusz Kopycinski, Firefighter at Highfields Fire Station said “The donations we have seen are incredible, and far beyond anything we could have imagined. As someone with links to Poland, it has been an honour to work with our local community and help those who need it the most.”