Ukraine-Russia: Sheffield MP opens office for donations

The United Nations said more than 600,000 people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion on Thursday.

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, encouraged people to support refugees via her office on social media.

In a Facebook post she said: “I know everyone in Sheffield is thinking about the Ukrainian people and sending solidarity in the face of appalling Russian invasion.

“I’ve not picked up on any charities collecting in Sheffield so I’ll be opening my office doors to collect donations that we will make sure get to the Polish border to support the people that have made it there.”

She listed a number of non-perishable items that would be most useful which included: medical essentials such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, medical bandages, nappies, hygiene products, socks, warm coats, blankets and baby clothes.

Ms Haigh’s office at 63 Chesterfield Road, Meersbrook, is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for donations.

How else can you support people in Ukraine?

The British Red Cross encouraged people to donate money to help refugees access water, food, first aid, medicines, warm clothes and shelter. The appeal can be found here: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

Save the Children also made an appeal for financial donations to help children and families fleeing the war. You can donate to that here: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/europe/ukraine

Henryk Matysiak, a retired firefighter from Barnsley who has family in Poland, started a collection for Ukrainians fleeing to Poland.

Henryk is currently seeking donations such as clothes, mattresses, toys, food, nappies and blankets and plans to later raise money on a Go Fund Me page.

He has set up seven collection points in Sheffield and Barnsley for people to drop off items which will be transported to those in need.

Information on drop off points and volunteering can be found on his Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ryk.matysiak