THE Melksham community has displayed an overwhelming show of support to the people of Ukraine after Russia began a large-scale military attack on the country last week.
The Town Hall has been lit up blue and yellow – the colours of the Ukraine flag – as a show of solidarity; and donations of supplies for Ukrainian refugees in Poland have begun pouring into the Town Hall.
“The response so far has been amazing,” said local man Dawid Fedyk, who is working with Melksham Town Council to receive donations from residents that will be sent weekly to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in the country with nothing.
“Everyone is feeling helpless watching the war at home, wondering how they can help – so this is one way they can help, by donating these items.”
Deputy mayor, cllr Colin Goodhind added, “There has been and is overwhelming support for the cause and a real will to make a contribution. The people of Melksham have really stepped up and are making a valuable contribution to support Ukrainian refugees – the town’s efforts are really appreciated.
“I’m proud to say that the Town Hall is now a focal point for donations. What is happening in Ukraine is a totally unacceptable situation and I am very sad for the people of Ukraine.”
Donations received at the Town Hall will be sent every Monday to a hostel in Kgierz and a volunteer centre in Lodz. Items most in demand are clothing (especially coats for children of all ages), nappies, blankets, sleeping bags, first aid equipment (bandages, plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, burn dressings, bandage tape, etc), hygiene products (toothbrush, paste, tampons, handwash, etc), food with long expiry dates (rice, pasta, tinned goods, etc.), pet food (mainly dogs and cats), and pet accessories (toys, beds, bowls, catnip, etc.)
The Town Hall is open for donations Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. This Thursday, 3rd March, the town council has arranged for the Town Hall to be open 8am to 8pm for donations.
For updates about what donations are needed, visit the Melksham Town Council Facebook page: www.facebook.com/melksham.town
Melksham Town Football Club has also said it will be accepting donations at their upcoming home games on Saturday 5th March against Bideford AFC and on Saturday 12th March against Sholing.
The club says, “We will have a donation box in the club shop for supporters to make donations of items if they would like to and these will then be delivered to the Ukrainian refugees.”
Melksham’s Town Hall joined buildings and landmarks across the world at the weekend, lighting up blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. The show of support was made possible by local businessman Paul Weymouth and his company, Light Fantastic – Event & Entertainment lighting.
To help pack the donations for dispatch, local business, Gompels Healthcare in Bowerhill, has donated a supply of boxes.
“Thank you Gompels!” said a spokesperson for the town council. “The response from everybody has been incredible. Thank you to everyone who has chipped in to help in so many ways – it’s amazing the speed this community comes together.”
Russia’s large-scale military attack on Ukraine began in the early hours of Thursday 24th February, under the orders of its President, Vladimir Putin.
In the wake of the attacks hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians – mostly women and children – have fled the country, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries – many have been welcomed into Poland.
The BBC has reported that refugee agencies fear up to five million Ukrainians could try to flee across the border as Russia’s war intensifies and casualties mount.
