RESIDENTS across North Yorkshire have been rallying in support of the Ukrainian people and have been queuing up to donate to the cause.
Millbry Hill stores are among the local organisations taking donations to help those displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Five Millbry Hill stores - Stokesley, Richmond, Whitby, Whitehaven and Sutton-on-the Forest - have been acting as drop-off points for donations of clothes and essential items to be sent to Ukraine.
And people have been queuing up outside the stores with their donations ahead of opening time.
Due to the high volume of items, the firm opened up two containers at its Stokesley head office to sort through the goods and its sister company C&C Horse Transport has been drafted in to help with transportation to the distribution centre in Darlington.
Serena Harriman, director of Millbry Hill, said: "We are so pleased to be able to help and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Millbry Hill, who have worked tirelessly to make sure the huge number of donations we have received are packed, sorted and delivered as soon as possible to the people most in need.”
Grace Robinson, who is helping orchestrate the appeal, said: “Upon sending a text to my director Serena Tuesday morning, it became clear we were both thinking the same in that we wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine.
"The collection has truly become something we could never have imagined, the kindness of our customers, staff, adjacent businesses and the local community has been immeasurable."
Colburn village hall has also organised a collection and on Tuesday (March 8) a convoy of 11 vans set off for Poland to deliver more than 1,000 boxes of essential items to Ukranian refugees.
More than £4,000 was raised towards the cost of fuel for the vehicles by businesses and residents of Northallerton.
Meanwhile, Romanby Parish Council has condemned the Russian military action in Ukraine and this week agreed the following motion: "Romanby Parish Council stands united with the people of Ukraine in the face of the disgraceful aggression shown by Russia.
"The Parish Council urges the government in Westminster to impose the toughest possible sanctions in order to demonstrate to Russia that their actions will not be allowed to succeed."
As a further show of solidarity and support for all the people of Ukraine, the council is flying the Ukrainian national flag in their Memorial Garden, on behalf of Romanby residents.
Richmondshire District Council says it is preparing to contribute to efforts to support the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russian armed forces.
Council leader Angie Dale, explained: “We have a very proud tradition of responding positively to the heart-breaking consequences of conflict across the world.
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“We will contribute to coordinated efforts to assist the people of Ukraine in partnership with local councils and partner agencies across North Yorkshire – experience has shown that by working together across North Yorkshire we produce the most positive and effective impact.
"We are awaiting further guidance from Government on how we can best help.
"Once we have received guidance and associated requests, we will be part of a coordinated North Yorkshire response.”
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