Russian residents support Moseley appeal to help Ukraine civilians and soldiers

Organisers of a humanitarian aid collection on behalf of people suffering in Ukraine have hailed the generosity of Birmingham residents who have contributed to the cause - including local residents from Russia and Belarus.

Moseley Hive was the location for two days of collections of goods which are now on their way – via Poland - to those facing desperate struggles resulting from Russia’s invasion of their country.

The Alcester Road venue was host for the ‘Moseley for Ukraine’ event which successfully appealed to the city’s public to donate vital goods to be sent to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.

The list of items was set by Fundacja sw. Jadwigi (The St Jadwiga Foundation) in Wroclaw, Poland, and all goods will be transported directly to those in need.

What goods were collected at Moseley Hive?

Among the crucial items donated were first aid kits, bandages, plasters, saline solutions, wound disinfectants, dressings, paracetamol, burn gels, iodine and syringes.

Sleeping bags, blankets, camping mats, baby bottles and nappies, Calpol, torches, lighters, flasks, wet wipes, can openers, sanitary towels, masking nets, candles and camping stoves were all handed over.

Gloves, hats, scarves, socks, thermal underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap were also packaged up box many the dozens of volunteers who pledged their time over a busy weekend period.

What did the organisers say?

Pouched and tinned food is also on its way to Ukraine and lead organiser Malwina James said: “Thank you to everyone who came to help and donate.

“We were overwhelmed with the generosity and community spirit with people coming from as far away as Coventry.

“Businesses stepped up to provide storage, offers of lock-ups and vans and volunteers moved, sorted, packed and cleaned for hours on end.

“To every single person who came with donations - whether one pack of nappies or van full of donations – it all counts! Businesses, schools, shops and offices all chipped in.

“We also want to thank the Russian and Belarusian residents who came to show their support and opposition to what is happening. We hugged and cried together.”

What happens to the items collected for Ukraine next?

The amount of goods which were donated far exceeded expectations so an extra 12 pallets of donations were passed to Redditch-based Oakland International to transport to Ukraine.

Neighbouring shops provided extra storage space as goods were dropped off and subsequently packaged and West Midlands Fire Service firefighters also called by to lend a valuable hand.

WOW Logistics in Wednesbury kindly helped move donations into storage there.

For anyone who would still like to donate items, Attwell Farm Park in Redditch in partnership with Oakland International are still sending lorries to Ukraine.

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