An initiative set up by a Beverley resident to provide supplies for Ukrainian refugees in Poland has become overwhelmed with donations in its first week. However Beth Fletcher, 24 from Tickton who began the appeal, says that all donations will be in the hands of refugees “within weeks”.
Beth made her urgent call for help in February as the crisis in Ukraine began and has been taking donations of essential items. Beth intends to make them up into care packages that will be delivered by truck to those fleeing the fighting.
Since setting up the Facebook group ‘Beverley for Ukraine’ donations have flooded in and Beth, aided by her family and friends have had to set up additional drop off points to cope with the influx of help. The team are currently asking for a pause in the flow of donations until they get what they have packed up ready to be sent to Poland.
Beth who began the group to support the Ukraine UK Appeal, as well as gather donations to create care packages has led the community in its efforts to provide help for those fleeing the invasion.
We contacted Beth to ask her about her initiative which has since taken off and she began by telling us that
“On behalf of East Yorkshire, I have decided to make hundreds of care packages, filled with essentials such as medicines, food, toiletries, first aid items, essentials for babies and pets.
“Within just a few days, we were completely overwhelmed with donations and feel so happy seeing such a lovely community coming together to help.
“I know that lots of people in the UK may feel they cannot do anything to help, but all donations will be in the hands of a refugee within a few weeks and we have each individual who has donated to thank for that.
“Although we are uncertain of the overall outcome of the Crisis, I want these boxes to give the Ukrainians’ everything they need, as well as giving them hope. I want them to know, that we support them, we are with them. My thoughts go out to the families and what they must be feeling. What they must have seen and heard. It truly is unimaginable.
“I would love to think that these care packages will benefit any refugee that manages to flee to Poland for safety. We want them to know that they are all being thought of and we will help look after them in some way. I also think anyone who takes part in this aid, whether or not they donate, it will benefit the community by encouraging kindness love, teamwork and love”.
Beth, who attended Beverley High school and now works in her family’s local business is especially moved to help the refugees whose number has reach over 1.5 million as she revealed to us that her grandfather himself came to the UK as a refugee from Hungry in 1957.
I want them to know that we support them, we are with them. My thoughts go out to families and what they must be feeling.
Beth Flectcher
“My Grandfather was just 17 when he made the trip to Britain and could not speak any English. He went on to get a degree from Hull University and teach art in secondary schools. He is a fantastic artist and has done many paintings of his home town. My offer to help these refugees feels like I’m giving a bit back.
“But the most important thing about this aid is to ensure that the families have what they need and to know that they are not alone.”
Beth whose group now has over 1000 members says that she started the group alone, but now has the help of Mum Caroline and Dad Richard as well as her cousin Millie and friend Megan. And of course, her very special Grandad is encouraging us all the way.
Anyone wanting to keep up to date or find out how they can and when or where to donate help should visit the group’s Facebook page here.