Hull’s appeal for humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine has seen such a huge response that organisers are opening new drop-off points and a larger storage facility.
Over the past week, the city’s communities have come together to collect and deliver aid as part of the Hull 4 Ukraine collective.
After an overwhelming response from the people of Hull, the Hull 4 Heroes shop, in Whitefriargate, and Living Hope Christian Church, in Linnaeus Street, will no longer be able to accept donations after Friday 11 March.
Local people, businesses and organisations can take donations to the following drop-off points:
- Former Staples building (side entrance), Myton Street, HU1 2PS (Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm, from Monday 14 March);
- The Freedom Centre, 97 Preston Rd, HU9 3QB (Mon-Fri, 10am-noon);
- Eastside Community Sports Trust, Staithes Road, Preston, HU12 8DX (Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm).
Organisers are currently asking that people donate items from the below list:
- dried food, pasta, tinned goods, sweets, packet rice;
- medication – painkillers, bandages, plasters, children’s paracetamol and first aid kits;
- children’s warm clothing – hats, scarves, coats;
- children’s small toys, cuddly toys, dolls, colouring books, crayons, picture books, very small jigsaws (no large plastic toys please);
Items NOT required (these will be turned away at this time):
- adult clothing;
- toiletries;
- bedding.
Please do NOT bring any of the following items, as organisers are unable to ship these:
- aerosols;
- sanitiser;
- matches;
- perfumes;
- razors;
- bleach or cleaning products (corrosive products);
- batteries.
Hull 4 Ukraine was set up by Magda Moses and others in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The initiative is being led by Hull’s community and voluntary organisations, and volunteers have spent the past week sorting donations to be transported to Ukraine and surrounding countries.
Magda said: “I’m overwhelmed by Hull’s warm response and the people who have come forward to volunteer are doing an incredible job. Everyone just wants to feel like they are doing something.”
Veterans’ charity Hull 4 Heroes is supporting the logistical side of the local response and has also set up an online fundraiser to support the purchase of medical supplies and transportation.
Paul Matson, founder of Hull 4 Heroes, said: “The support from the general public and local businesses such as Arco, Bowker Transport, Eco Engineering, Needlers, Barek Lift Trucks and KCOM, to name but a few, has been overwhelming.
“With lorries being donated to ship to Romania and Poland, we know the aid is actually getting to the people who need it most.
“Hull City Council has been amazing. Nothing has been too big an ask, with almost daily meetings to check if we need anything else.
“I am so proud of our team and the team at Hull 4 Ukraine for the dedication they have shown.”
Hull City Council has partnered with Hull 4 Ukraine and Hull 4 Heroes to support the local coordinated aid effort.
The initiative is also now being supported by Hull safety equipment supplier Arco.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted that the Hull 4 Ukraine appeal has received such an incredible response from the generous people and businesses of our city.
“We urge everyone to keep donating at the new drop-off points as the Hull 4 Ukraine team continue their vital work during this humanitarian crisis.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the Ukrainian people, and Hull City Council and our local MPs will continue to support the city’s aid effort in every way we can.”
Anyone with enquiries about Hull 4 Ukraine should email projects@hull4heroes.org.uk