Appeal to city people to help with ‘lifesaving’ supply drive for Ukraine as winter fast approaches

VOLUNTEERS working to deliver important supplies to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine are calling out for more support from the wider Portsmouth community.
Emily Jessica Turner
By Emily Jessica Turner
Published 2nd Sep 2022, 18:43 BST
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Organisers of Portsmouth Helps Ukraine, Hayling Helps Ukraine, and Bridge to Unity say there is a ‘desperate need for essential items’ as winter fast approaches.

The groups are linking together for a big supply drive for a number of specific items which will be delivered to people in need.

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Emsworth veteran Matt Simmons founded the community interest company Bridge to Unity, which has been gathering crucial donations to help those in Ukraine.

Bridge to Unity makes a trip to deliver supplies to Ukraine. Matt Simmons with Tanya who provided the team a place to stay in Ukraine and volunteer Hannah Jarvis.Bridge to Unity makes a trip to deliver supplies to Ukraine. Matt Simmons with Tanya who provided the team a place to stay in Ukraine and volunteer Hannah Jarvis.
Bridge to Unity makes a trip to deliver supplies to Ukraine. Matt Simmons with Tanya who provided the team a place to stay in Ukraine and volunteer Hannah Jarvis.
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Matt said: ‘Ukraine in winter, especially in the east, can be very cold and outside of the main cities many areas have been cut off by the Russian invasion.

‘Getting aid to these places is and will save lives.

‘With existing networks that we have as three organisations we have pulled together to do a winter appeal and there are upcoming trips to Ukraine to distribute supplies using our networks.’

Viola Langley and her team of volunteers at Portsmouth Helps Ukraine and Paul Gray and Nick May of Hayling Helps Ukraine have been working hard to collect donations.

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Nick has been making trips to Poland with donated supplies and also has brought Ukrainians back to the UK who had sponsorship.

However, the number of donations have been dropping off, and there are many important items that the groups are keen to collect.

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Matt said: ‘Tinned food is a huge need, along with nappies and wipes.

‘Also sleeping bags and survival type blankets, anything for the cold winter months in Ukraine.’

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As well as non-perishable food, sleeping bags, new duvets, pillows, and blankets, items needed include toiletries and sanitary products, baby supplies such as nappies and wipes, and medical supplies like paracetamol and bandages.

There are a number of drop off points across the area - the Thatched House Pub in Locksway Road, centre management reception at Gunwharf Quays, Haytor in Galt Road, North End Baptist Church, 3 Lone Valley in Widley, White Recruitment in Quartermaine Road, Clanfield Community Centre, 1 Merchants Row in White Hart Road, Southsea Library, 3 The Mews in Landstone, Acorn and Vine in Palmerston Road, Lake House in Bidbury Lane, 101 Copsey Grove in Drayton, Leigh Park Community Centre, and Hayling Island Community Centre.

Related topics:UkraineVolunteersOrganisersPortsmouth