A swift response in support of the people of Ukraine from people in Ryedale

Ryedale District Council is thanking local people for their swift response in support of Ukraine.

Within days of Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine, generous people, businesses and community groups in Ryedale started collecting goods to donate to Ukrainians fleeing from the war.

Helmsley Arts Centre took in goods and were inundated with donations.

Natasha Jones, Artistic Director for Helmsley Arts Centre said:

“We put a post out on Facebook, stating exactly what we needed and we have eight tonne bags of donations on their way to the Polish Integration Centre in Wrexham.

“This included clothes, toys, toothbrushes, nappies, foil blankets and thermal clothing.

“We’re just a small team and have spent days boxing everything up for those in need. We would like to thank everyone who supported us. It’s very much appreciated and shows how we all come together to help those in need.”

Victoria Brown, Director of Coopers in Pickering said:

“My friend Emily Turner of Eartha Underwear in Ayton started organising collections to go to the Polish Integration Centre in Wrexham and I wanted to help. Within hours of putting a message out on social media, the donations started flooding in. We’ve had to use a container to store them as we fast ran out of space for them all. It’s so heart-warming to see how much everyone has helped.

“Due to the incredible response from everyone across the local area the vans going to Wrexham were too full to collect from us and they will be doing multiple trips from everything donated at Helmsley, Pace Cycles at Thornton Dale and Scarborough.

“So we have been in touch with a collection at Thirsk (organised through TEECH) who are sending three wagons to Moldova.

“We are taking all donations collected at Coopers in our own wagon to them on Wednesday 9 March. “They have a link to a fundraising page for the transport of this aid: https://www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/TEECH2022

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated from everyone at Coopers.”

The Ukrainian flag will be flying at Ryedale House to acknowledge that the people of Ryedale stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Ryedale District Council will play its part and respond appropriately to the fast changing government guidance.

The District Council, like many other local authorities, is going through its procurement records to make sure there are no ties with Russian companies.

Councillor Dinah Keal, Chair of Policy and Resources for Ryedale District Council said:

“We understand that staff and people in our district may be affected by the appalling events we are witnessing in the media, including where there are family connections or friendships.

“For anyone wishing to show further support, we encourage financial donations via the dedicated Go Fund Me page which has verified donors and organisers, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) or one of the charities – all of these are detailed on the our website

“This helps people avoid making donations to bogus operators and ensures the funds donated get to those in need in Ukraine fast.

“We, like most other authorities are standing with Ukraine.

We don’t believe we have any contracts with Russian companies, but are going through our procurement records to double check this.”

Ryedale District Council will work in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and other district councils to support refugees from Ukraine in due course.

If anyone within Ryedale is interested in providing accommodation, or a room within their home for refugees they can phone our Customer Services team on 01653 600 666.

All councils are awaiting a request from the Government before a detailed commitment is made.