The British outpouring of generosity for those who have lost everything in Ukraine is heart-warming and full of hope. Here is just one of many many stories of local people pulling together to get items most needed to the right place as quickly as possible. 

Jacky and Roger Beebee’s daughter, nurse Clare, knew of a van going to Poland and they all decided to do what they could to help – initially with neighbours and, very quickly, much further afield. The phone started ringing. They booked Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich for Saturday 26th March as a drop off point for items most needed in Ukraine. As donations started to arrive in advance of the planned date, they quickly learned that the real challenge was finding and booking slots on lorries leaving for Ukraine. Clare worked miracles and found these in Nottingham, Leicester, Barnstaple and latterly with CTR Uttoxeter – here was another amazing story of massive response to crisis and critically an organization working closely with the Polish Red Cross.

Members of Water Orton Methodist Church saw facebook messages and decided to open a convenient drop off point in the village ready to transfer donations to Arden Hall on the 26th. Colin Bagshaw and Tony McConville, Coleshill Morrision’s Community Champions and Head Teacher, Michelle Wall, of Shustoke C of E Primary School picked up Water Orton messages and with directions arranged delivery of their hugely impressive car loads of desperately needed items. In the meantime, the church had a table top sale and coffee morning for Ukraine and the Ladies Section of Lea Marsden Golf Club held a collection. Together £520 was raised and eight car loads of dried food, medication, nappies etc headed up the hill to Arden Hall. 

Jacky and Roger smile at thoughts of March 26th when donations flooded in and kept 25 volunteers, including the wonderful Shard End Sea Scouts, busy all day. Two beautiful mini stories are of an independent shop keeper in Castle Bromwich who invited the team down and said, “Just take what you need” and of an 81 years old lady who carefully parcelled up and sent her jewellery. Very quickly, donations were boxed up and started their long journey to Poland and the Ukraine border. This is going to be an unfolding story for Ukraine and its citizens uprooted and deprived of all that is dear to them. Watch out for further opportunities to support them and thank you all!

Also check out Lily’s Pop up Tea Parlour in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, a community project supporting those with Dementia, Parkinson’s, Cancer or just loneliness. A vintage dress outfit that has been given space to collect items for incoming Ukrainian refugees.

Margaret Smith 07042022