THE war in Ukraine may have disappeared from the front pages, but the need is still just as great for refugees fleeing Russian aggression.
That’s the message from one Redditch resident who has already gone above and beyond the call of duty to help people from the war-torn country.
Now Katarzyna Tuckowska-Zysk is hoping to send one final lorry load of aid to refugees who have made it to the Polish border – and she’s appealing to local people to help.
“It’s gone quite quiet, and I understand that, but the need is still there,” she said.
“Something like three million Ukrainian refugees have lost everything and have fled across the border to Poland.
“Some have arrived in the UK, including Redditch, but many more are being housed as best they can in Poland while they are registered and decide on their future.”
She said items desperately needed were long life dried food, pasta, rice, oats, sugar, coffee, tea, flour, canned meat, fish and soup and also dried soup and yeast.
She is also appealing for toiletries including bars of soap, shampoos, toothpaste and toothbrushes, sanitary towels and washing up liquid.
Many of the people who have arrived at the border crossing have been injured and so sterile dressings for wounds and burns, bandages, ampoules of saline, disinfectants, compresses and disposable gloves are all needed.
“I was out in Poland two weeks ago to see what more needs to be done,” said Katarzyna.
“To be economical we need about 26 pallets to fill a lorry and while we have pallets of food, medicine and things like sleeping bags ready to go, we need quite a bit more more make up the load.
“Therefore we would be grateful for any help people can give us.”
Donations can be dropped off at Steam Detailing & Valeting, Unit 6, Phoenix Works, Windsor Road, Redditch, B97 6DJ from 9am to 5pm.
