Organisations, charities and people from across Watford are uniting in their efforts to get care packages to refugees in Ukraine, Poland and Romania as the terrible devastation of the country escalates and forces people to flee for their lives.
Watford Borough Council, Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT), local charity Goods for Good and football legend Luther Blissett have joined forces to get essential food, hygiene and first aid items* off to the hundreds of thousands of people who have had to leave their homes and belongings behind to reach safety.
Watford residents are being asked to drop off supplies for the parcels to W3RT at the Holywell Community Centre, Chaffinch Lane in Watford where they will be assembled.
People and businesses are also being asked to donate funds that will be used to hire trucks to transport the parcels to the humanitarian hubs.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Watford is an incredibly generous, big hearted town. Lots of people have contacted me asking how they can help. Please donate what you can from the list of essential items and give what you can to the appeal so we can get trucks delivering parcels of essential items to people who really need our help.”
Luther Blissett who recently set up the Former Players Club with teammates said “I have worked with Goods for Good since this amazing charity set up locally. As soon as I met Rosalind Bluestone (Founder & CEO) I knew that we had shared passion for helping where we could. I had been approached by many people in the community wanting to know how to get donations to the Ukraine border and I knew that Goods for Good would have the infrastructure – I was really delighted that Mayor Peter Taylor gave support as always and that he was able to bring the power of Watford Borough Council and W3RT into partnership to create a powerful appeal. Thanks also to the fans offering to help transport items.”
Rosalind Bluestone of Goods for Good said “We want to get at least 1 truck off to Ukraine by the end of the month that means 300-400 care parcels of essential goods – please help us achieve this target – there are people in desperate need.”
Parcel donations have already been received at two additional hubs thanks to Parmiters School (open for drop off during school hours) and the 1881 supporters club of Watford FC (Wed & Thurs 7-9pm drop off at The Bunker, Vicarage Road).
Watford and Three Rivers trust has also raised over £4k which will go towards getting the first truck on the road to Ukraine in March.
Bob Jones, CEO of W3RT said: “An amazing response already from Watford but keep it coming – pop down and see us at the Holywell Community Centre, we are open from 9-5 and we want to fill our shelves and get things moving”
People can donate funds at www.w3rt.org/ukraine. For further information contact communications@watford.gov.uk or tracy@goodsforgood.org.uk
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