With so many amazing efforts to help Ukrainians springing up all over the country, it’s difficult to know which ones to support.
It’s also difficult to see any silver lining in these grim times but if there is one, it’s the extraordinary way in which the Western world has pulled together so overwhelmingly to support this humanitarian crisis.
After some thought, Bridgwater-based Hippychick has decided in the first instance to support an initiative spearheaded by locally based Meg Hawkyard who has already organised a huge collection of supplies and is working in conjunction with her friend Faye Savage, an ex-pat who is based on the ground in Krakow, to supervise the distribution of the items to those in greatest need.
One thing that Meg, along with many others is struggling with is transport. This is where Hippychick can help as they have at their disposal Hippychick vehicles which can accommodate up to 100 square metres of supplies.
Joint MD at Hippychick, Jeremy Minchin, has volunteered to drive the first loaded van out to Poland next week, supported by Meg’s partner Craig.
Krakow is also a good destination for Hippychick as one of their suppliers (myHummy) is based there and have kindly offered to put them up before they head back to Somerset.
This is the first stage in what looks like being a continuing and long-term effort. Hippychick is keen to do more.
With her contacts in Poland, Meg is entirely in tune with exactly which type of supplies will be most useful to displaced families. These are largely medical and Meg has contacts for purchasing these at wholesale prices. If you would like to be part of this effort, the best way to do this is by donating to Meg’s Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/transport-aid-to-ukrainian-borders
Current essential supplies needed:
Complete first aid kits, plasters, bandages, sudocream, burn relief gel, ibuprofen, paracetamol and Calpol for babies
Camping mats
Sleeping bags
Warm blankets, but not duvets
Thermal clothes and underwear of different sizes, both child and adult
Hot water bottles
Baby food and baby formula, breast pumps and sterilisers
Nappies, various sizes
Sanitary products for women
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Wet wipes
Batteries
Ends
Further press information from Heloise D’Souza, DSouzaPRLtd, Tel: 07770 988 612