The horrors of the Ukraine crisis will need no introduction, but I have been deeply impressed once again by the generosity of people in Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Finchampstead and Wokingham Without in wanting to help those who have been affected.  I would like to personally thank everyone who has offered support so far.

The operational situation in Eastern Europe is complex and dangerous but several charitable agencies are already on the ground doing fantastic work. Governments from across Europe and beyond are transporting food, medical and military supplies by road, yet we do need to ensure that these efforts are not slowed by clogging up traffic and ports.  It is also vital that they do not get in the way of the military effort.

Whist I know that the natural reaction for so many has been to gather supplies for refugees who have been displaced, emerging Government advice is to make monetary donations to organisations who are able to distribute help to the right places.  This is not in any way to diminish the excellent support that has already been provided but to ensure that it is does not become impossible to handle due to sheer volume.  The Polish Embassy in London and the British Red Cross in particular, have asked for financial donations as they can be specifically directed at what people most need in a particular geographical area, rather than putting pressure on fragile logistic chains.  

Having visited Natalie Vil in Bracknell today, I am heartened by what is being done locally to support families like hers, noting that family members may still be in Ukraine, perhaps even as part of the fighting force.  Good people continue to deliver supplies to her home in Saffron Road, Bracknell.  These items are already being shipped to Poland, from where it is collected and taken over the border into Ukraine.  The community support shown by ‘We Love Bracknell’ and other social media sites is incredible.

Another way to help is to donate to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal for Ukraine, which will go towards food, shelter and healthcare for refugees. DEC charities are already in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to meet their needs: 

• £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month
• £50 could provide blankets for four families
• £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month

Donations of any size are welcome, and the UK Government has pledged to match the first £20 million:  You can donate here.  Other charities you may wish to consider are: 

• Sunflower of Peace (a charity supporting paramedics and doctors in Ukraine)
• United Help Ukraine (which provides medical supplies and humanitarian aid)
• Voices of Children (which has been supporting children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine since 2015) 

Lastly, I am pleased that the John Lewis Partnership - whose Waitrose HQ is based in Bracknell - has made an initial donation of £100k to the British Red Cross.  They will also match donations from customers and employees up to £150,000:  See their website.  And with the Government doing so much more to facilitate safe passage of refugees to the UK and establish a humanitarian sponsorship scheme to enable local people to support refugees coming into Bracknell and Wokingham, there is plenty more to come.  Do please do everything you can to support the Ukrainian people – I am grateful!