Medical Supplies for Ukraine Being Collected in Chiswick Today
Donations urgently sought for second convoy for area leaving soon
Volunteer drivers on their way to the Ukrainian border. Picture: Facebook
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A second convoy of donations for Ukraine from the people of Chiswick will be leaving soon and donations of specific items are being sought this Sunday (6 March).
The first batch of gifts from the area was delivered in vans and lorries driven by volunteer drivers.
The team that took the first batch of donations is resting but will be going back to the Polish/Ukraine borders imminently and need donations immediately.
This local effort has been organised by Chiswick resident Margie Frew and Marek Wizowski who is from Poland and currently lives in Acton.
Marek was prompted to action after hearing about how his many relatives and friends who live near the border were struggling to support the refugees. His sister, who lives a few hours away from the border, is a doctor. Through her connections he has been provided with extensive lists of medicines that were in short supply and completely unavailable as well as specific supplies needed. The group is now working with UNICEF as part of its wider relief effort.
You are specifically asked to bring medical items that you are no longer using including crutches, slings and medical boots and bring them to 25 Fairlawn Avenue between 8am and 8pm this Sunday.
Donations will only be accepted of the following items:
Medical Supplies
Batteries
First Aid Kits
Tourniquets
Gauze
Bandages
Sleeping Bags
Tents
Flashlights
Long Range Walkie Talkies
Phone Bank Chargers
Thermal blankets
Antiseptic
Bandages
Slings
Donations from Chiswick being unloaded on the Polish/Ukrainian border. Picture: Facebook
Margie Frew already has a room full of medical supplies waiting to be dispatched. She has set up sorting area in the kitchen to fill the empty or half-filled first aid kits with missing things. People have been making donations using Amazon Prime.
Medical supplies collected in Margie Frew's house on Fairlawn Avenue. Picture: Facebook
She says, "We have learnt a lot from last weekend, so please could anyone who has any donations please ensure that they are clearly labelled, no mixed bags/boxes please as the sorting slowed us down a little. Also, please no toiletries, toys or clothes this time as we need to give priority to the requested items.
"They are still fundraising for the situation. All raised funds are going towards petrol, Euro Tunnel tickets etc., and importantly to finance the team on the ground's ability to react to the changing needs of people. For instance, when Marek and the other drivers reached the border, they were asked to help find ways to keep the many many people queuing to get into Poland warm. They immediately went out and bout 27 fire pits, fuel etc. Being able to react in real time is extremely helpful to those coordinating on the border."
If you are unable to bring items you can make a financial donation through Paypal. Note that this is a different account to the one previously given as the earlier appeal quickly reached Paypal's limit of £20,000 and was closed down.
A van filled with supplies getting ready to depart for the first run. Picture: Jane O'Donnell
The local group is now working with the Association of Ukranian Doctors and are purchasing ten military grade helmets from a supplier in Glasgow to give to medics in the most needed areas.
Margie has coordinated a delivery of 1300 helmets ordered by the Ukranian government from Glasgow to London where they can now be sent to the front lines.
If you want to donate items that are not on the list for Sunday's collection, there is another drop-off point at 83 Chiswick High Road near the junction with Chiswick Lane and Chiswick School are organising collections this week. A list of items most needed
You can drop them off with us. We are collecting things like warm clothing for those on the front line per the list posted at the Ukrainian Social Club.
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March 6, 2022
