LOCAL communities, charities and organisations across north Wiltshire have responded magnificently to rally behind the people of Ukraine following the country’s invasion by Russia.

They have been thanked by Wiltshire Council, which has set up a special page on its website to support those who wish to help refugees fleeing the war-torn country.
Council leader Cllr Richard Clewer said: “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the utterly heart-breaking scenes we are seeing in Ukraine.

"We’d like to thank everyone who is doing what they can to provide support and ensure that the people of Ukraine know they are not alone, despite the distance between us.

“Following the Novichok attack in Salisbury four years ago we are only too aware, on a smaller scale, of the callous disregard for human life and international law that Putin is willing to show.

“Wiltshire has strong military connections, and we know uncertain times like this can also be very difficult for those serving and their families, and our thoughts are with them too."

Communities across Wiltshire are responding magnificently to the crisis in Ukraine by donating bedding, toiletries, tinned food, clothing and medical supplies for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

Collections of emergency supplies are taking place to help those pouring across the Ukrainian borders to safety in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.

Dawid Fedyk, of Wiltshire Hot Tub Hire Ltd in Melksham, is leading a project to collect donated items and transport them to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees who have fled across the border.

Donations will be sent to Poland every week to a hostel in Kgierz and a volunteer centre in Lodz to help Ukrainian refugees.

In Chippenham, the town’s MP Michelle Donelan is opening her office on 61 New Road as a collection point for donations.

Members of The Rotary Club of Chippenham are working with another Rotary Club - eClub1200 in Bridgwater – to collect items to assist with the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

And Devizes' Rotary Club members have teamed up with church leaders in the town to organise an emergency collection of clothing for refugees who are fleeing Ukraine.

From Thursday morning, St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Long Street, Devizes, will be opened to receive donations from the public as part of initiative to help more than 500,000 people affected by the conflict.

“We need donations of good quality, warm clothing,” said the Rev Keith Brindle, of St James’ Church, who is one of the organisers of the mercy mission.

To help, visit wiltshire.gov.uk/support-for-ukraine which lists some of the ways people can provide support.

Please check ahead to see what items are needed by individual groups.

Churches Together in Devizes is also organising a candlelit vigil for Ukraine at the Market Cross in the town centre from 6.30-7.30pm today [Wednesday]. People are asked to bring their own candle, torch and banners.

Other collection points in north and west Wiltshire are:

Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon Town Council, St Margaret's Hall, from 9am-4.30pm. Monday to Friday.

For more information please do not hesitate to email the Town Council at office@bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk or call on 01225 864240. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Chippenham

Rotary Club of Chippenham collection points at 1 Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, SN1      5 3NS, and 51b Lowden, Chippenham, SN15 2BG. If you have items to donate please contact Bob Nation on 01249 463789 or Lyn Crabtree on 01249 656172

Melksham

Melksham Town Hall
Market Place, Melksham
01225 704187
Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm. Extended hours on Thursday 3 March only 8am - 8pm

If you can't deliver your donations but are willing to donate, please contact Melksham Town Hall who will be able to collect your donations from you, only if you're based in Melksham.

Trowbridge

Castle Place Leisure Centre
Level 5a, Multi Storey Car Park, Trowbridge

Skin Aesthetic Beauty Salon
30 Roundstone Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8DE
Wednesday to Saturday between 9am-6pm Call 07455 976735

Warminster

Iris & Olive, Unit 2, 1 Market Pl, Warminster BA12 9AY.

Open: 9am-4pm. Donations accepted until 1pm on Saturday.

Westbury

Daykins Estate Agents
Unit 4 Rockhaven Business Park, Commerce Close, Westbury BA13 4FZ. Call 01373 476447