A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl’s bid to help Ukrainian refugees has galvanised a County Durham school into collecting a van load of much-needed supplies.
Israelia, who was moved by the news of the unfolding tragedy, wrote to Rachel Brannan, headteacher of St Neville’s Cross Primary School in Durham, asking if a non-uniform day could be held to raise money for the displaced.
At the same time a member of staff had learned that Jo Soulsby of Durham's Moon jewellery and interior décor had put out an appeal for emergency supplies for her home town Elk, in Poland.
Read more: County Durham community send aid to Ukrainian refugees
Deputy headteacher Nicola Banks said: “The school became a hub and amount of things brought in was incredible – far beyond what we thought we would collect.
“It includes nappies, baby food, toiletries, blankets, and food which will be taken to an orphanage which has been set up in Elk.
“Kind parents loaned us the use of their minibus so that we could get the supplies into town.
“Where the shop Moon is located is not easy to get to, so we popped into Tesco and Iceland to borrow trolleys.
“We caused quite a commotion as we went through Durham with people wondering what on earth we were doing with all this stuff.
Read more: #ThereWithUkraine: Newsquest launch Ukraine appeal - how you can help
“It was really heartwarming to see the passion and commitment of the families who wanted to support people – at a time when one can feel helpless to do anything.
“It all started a small idea of one of our youngest children and really shows what our school family is like here at Neville’s Cross.”
Mrs Soulsby, who has been working tirelessly co-ordinating efforts to get supplies to Elk, said: “It made us cry. Everyone in the shops along Silver Street were wondering what was happening.
"It was really beautiful what they did.
“They are basically helping their fellow children. It is heartwarming that our children care as well.
"This load is going to Elk on Tuesday where they have opened up an orphanage in a school."
Mrs Soulsby has teamed up with Durham County Councillor Kathryn Rooney, who has been arranging logistics.
They have collected about five lorry loads of supplies. The first lorry was delayed by initial problems by post-Brexit customs rules. But these have been resolved and it set off on Friday.
The second lorry set off on Tuesday (March 15).
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