Convoy of Supplies for Ukraine Departs from Chiswick
Local residents fill lorries and vans with essentials
A van filled with supplies getting ready to depart for a war zone. Picture: Jane O'Donnell
Donations from people in the Chiswick area have been loaded into lorries and vans to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Ukraine.
The vehicles are already en route packed with items which are desperately needed by people having to deal with a war not of their making.
The local effort has been organised by Chiswick resident Margie Frew and Marek Wizowski who is from Poland and currently lives in Acton.
Marek was prompted to action after hearing about how his many relatives and friends who live near the border were struggling to support the refugees. His sister, who lives a few hours away from the border, is a doctor. Through her connections he was provided with extensive lists of medicines that were in short supply and completely unavailable as well as specific supplies needed. His many contacts have been providing information of the changing scenario which have allowed him to relay that information to those wishing to donate.
Another contact called expressing urgency in helping 121 orphans displaced during the fighting. Marek decided to empty his two work vans and ask friends to help him fill the space.
Margie Frew transformed her home into a depot for the huge amount of donations that have been flooding in. The items were then sorted and then packed into the vehicles with every centimetre of space being used.
Queues of people formed on the street to give donations including a Russian woman who told Margie Frew that what was been done to Ukraine was not being done in her name.
Warm clothing for men is also needed as they are crossing the border in the other direction.
The latest request from inside Ukraine has been for medical supplies such as bandages, anti-septics and products to stop bleeding as it is anticipated that the forces of the Putin regime will target civilians more as their advance fails to make the progress he requires.
Left - Margie Frew's living room with the donations. Right - a van packed with supplies. Picture: Jane O'Donnell
As well as items such as non-perishable food, sanitary products and nappies donations are needed to help cover the cost of fuel, toll charges and Eurotunnel crossings.
Financial donations can be made through Paypal for the £20,000 needed to meet the costs of the expedition.
The team are expected to arrive on Tuesday night. They were contacted on the way by people on the ground saying that tents and sleeping bags as well as camping heaters with butane tanks were now the items most urgently needed to help people suffering from hypothermia. These items are being purchased along the way with money donated through Paypal.
Margie and Marek are no longer collecting donations but a number of similar efforts are being organised in the area including a collection point that has been set up at the junction of Chiswick High Road and Chiswick Lane near the Outsider Tart cafe from which donations will be taken to The Ukrainian Social Club in Notting Hill which is sending trucks daily with provisions.
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March 1, 2022
