DARLINGTON residents have been thanked for their generosity after thousands of pounds and donations were collected for people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Community groups, businesses and the town’s football team have issued appeals for urgent medical supplies, clothing and equipment before sending them to people in need at the Polish-Ukraine border.
Volunteers at Firthmoor Community Centre have worked night and day due to an overwhelming response from people willing to help.
Mother-of-three Lena Rusa, originally from Ukraine, helped launch the donation point alongside local councillors and has teamed up with Ukrainian friends from across Teesside.
The first load of donated supplies left the town via lorry on Friday evening, with several other trips planned due to the amount of donations. Clothing donations are no longer being accepted at the community centre.
Read more: Darlington residents donate thousands of items for Ukraine
Ms Rusa said: “Thank you all the amazing people donating and all volunteers sorting. All the friends and volunteers making it all happen at the centre - I am forever grateful.”
Tracie Jacobs is one of many residents to have rallied around her local community and donated.
She said: “I have dropped off four car loads, collected from the people of Hurworth, Sadberge, Neasham and friends, family and work colleagues, and just wanted to say what an utterly amazing job your volunteers have done there.
“Someone said thank you, for every single box or bag I took in, everyone was organised, friendly and unbelievably happy to be helping. You are an amazing community.”
A bucket collection at Blackwell Meadows by supporters attending Darlington’s match against Blyth Spartans on Saturday raised £1,401 while supporters also donated food and other essential items.
A club statement read: “We would like to thank fans from both clubs who generously donated cash. We are now going to pay the money into the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal) as soon as we can.
“We are also grateful for the many donations of everyday items and non-perishable food from fans that were left near the turnstiles. These have also been donated to Firthmoor Community Association, which is sending emergency aid to Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, at the Arthur Wharton Foundation the facilities popular mural wall has been decorated to represent its support with Ukrainians.
Explaining the new artwork, the community group said: “Every day, we are reminded that this could be our family members, and our friends suffering such terrible circumstances. It’s heart-breaking.
“The Ukrainian flag consists of two horizontal bands of yellow and blue, the colours represent the wide blue skies, and the yellow represents the wheat fields that characterize the country. From a psychological point of view, blue symbolizes calm, whilst yellow symbolizes joy.
“We look forward to the day when the people of Ukraine can once again have calm and joy in their lives and in their country.”
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