A CHILMARK-BASED disaster response charity is deploying teams of volunteers to help in the relief efforts for Ukraine.

The focus of RE:ACT's teams will be on supporting the needs of the millions of people who have been forced from their homes by the conflict.

They are working together with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, and Building Ukraine Together.

RE:ACT volunteers will help ensure aid donations from across the UK are collected, packed, loaded and transported safely to Poland and onwards into Ukraine.

Specially trained teams have already tested the route and carried out an extensive reconnaissance mission throughout the countries bordering Ukraine. They have already delivered 26 tons of humanitarian aid donated by British babywear suppliers, HippyChick.

RE:ACT, which is headquartered Chilmark, also has volunteers on standby to support Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK.

Recently, the charity was involved in helping refugees arriving in the UK from Afghanistan, and since early 2020 has played a vital role in assisting the NHS in the national fight against the Pandemic. Volunteers supported the vaccination hub at Salisbury's City Hall.

The Charity’s chief executive Toby Wicks said: “RE:ACT is in a unique position to help with the international relief efforts. Our volunteers are all highly trained humanitarians. We have former armed forces’ veterans, retired international development and ‘blue light’ personnel who have vast experience of working in some of the most difficult and hostile environments.

“We will ‘connect the dots’ between our partners here in the UK and Ukraine, and will use proven, trusted channels to get aid directly to where it is needed most. Our focus will be on the millions who have been displaced inside the country and are in desperate need of support.”

“RE:ACT is constantly monitoring the situation to see if the relief efforts need to be expanded into other countries such as Moldova and Romania," he added.

“Thanks to our recent forward planning reconnaissance mission, we have made solid contacts with local and international NGOs and facilitators in the region. If there is a sudden surge in refugees, we will be ready.”

The charity is appealing for donations to help fund its mission. Visit: re-act.org.uk/donate

RE:ACT says it would also welcome applications from people who would like to volunteer to help in the relief effort. Go to https://portal.re-act.org.uk/aspx/ReAct_Registration

 

​Newsquest has pledged to donate proceeds from sales of some of its largest newspapers to the Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is dedicated to helping and saving those affected by this horrific and bloody war. We’re asking you to join us.

JustGiving link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/therewithukraine

Disclaimer: Donations made via JustGiving and use of the JustGiving website will be subject to the JustGiving privacy policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-v30 and cookie policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/cookie-notice 

None of the donation will be collected by Newsquest. Financial transactions are with JustGiving to donate to the British Red Cross Society DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross Society raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.

For more information visit  https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund 

Charity Registration No. Eng/Wales 220949,Scot SC037738, IOM 0752, Jers430

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