A COUNTY Durham MP has been left “gobsmacked” by the generosity of donations for Ukrainian refugee mothers and new-borns after launching an appeal in the aftermath of Russian forces bombing maternity units.
MP for City of Durham, Mary Kelly Foy, has been left “overwhelmed” by the scale of donations she has received as part of her drive to deliver much-needed maternity supplies to mothers, and new-borns fleeing the War in Ukraine and those still stuck in the conflict with no way out of the country.
Despite only launching the appeal several days ago, Ms Foy has seen a mountain of donations pile in from individuals and groups across County Durham, which includes nappies, toiletries, bottles, and infant clothing which is desperately needed.
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The generous donors include Bearpark Primary and New College Durham, Durham University, New Brancepeth Village Hall, Brandon Carrside Youth and Community Project, as well as many more.
The Labour MP has reacted as the final load of donations have now been added to those collected at Ludworth Community Centre and are now in transit to Poland where they will be distributed to those fleeing the war.
Ms Foy has now ended her donation drive due to the quantity of goods received. Those who wish to support refugees are encouraged to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal here.
Reacting to the huge outpouring of generosity, Ms Foy said: “Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine began, a tragic humanitarian crisis has unfolded before our eyes. Sitting hundreds of miles away in County Durham, watching these atrocities unfold, people can often feel powerless to help.
“It is almost impossible to comprehend the terror and uncertainty that expectant mothers and parents with new-borns must feel as they flee war. That is why I felt it was vitally important to gather donations of maternity supplies.
“The horrifying images of a maternity hospital in the City of Mariupol, bombed by Russian forces yesterday present the indiscriminate brutality of this violence- a truly sickening atrocity.
“I have been truly gobsmacked by the generosity of the people of Durham who have overwhelmed my constituency office with the sheer quantity of donations.
“We are not the wealthiest area, and these are tough economic times for many people in Durham- that makes the scale of these donations all the more selfless and impressive, and highlights Durham’s unshakeable solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
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