A LORRY containing over 1,000 boxes full of donations for Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland left Bridgwater today.
The donations will be received by charities working to support the 1.8 million Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the Polish border since Russia launched its invasion.
The initiative was organised by Mario and Gosia Gogolin through You Are Not Alone.
You Are Not Alone is a group of Polish people living in Bridgwater and the surrounding area who meet to socialise, help each other, and organise joint events, trips, and meetings.
The group was supported by Bridgwater Town Council, which voted through a £2,000 payment today to ensure the relief lorry reaches its destination.
The council also allowed the volunteers to use the town hall for the delivery and sorting of donations, while its councillors, staff members, and volunteers helped prepare the boxes for delivery.
As the lorry left, organisers Mario and Gosia said: “In the last two weeks, we have been collecting and preparing donations for Ukraine’s refugees.
“It was a huge project and, without your help, it would not have been possible to achieve our goal.
“We would like to say huge thank you to all who were involved in this action, and to everyone who donated goods, money, and their free time.”
He added: “We would like to say thank you to Brian Smedley, leader of Bridgwater Town Council, who donated his time and allowed us to use the town hall in Bridgwater; Kelvin Millis, the town hall caretaker, for his time, and all volunteers, who were all extremely helpful.
“We also would like to say thank you to Brian and the town council for funding the transport cost.
“The wonderful people around Somerset managed to collect 33 pallets (over 1,000 boxes) of goods for Ukrainian refugees.
“On Wednesday morning, this incredible amount of donations has been sent to Poland to organisations such as the Red Cross and other organisations supported by the Red Cross.”
More local businesses and organisations involved include the St Mary's Church, Street Baptist Church, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Poundland, and Sainsbury's Street Superstore.
Cllr Smedley said: “This initiative came from within the Bridgwater community.
“This has been a truly international relief effort and the world just got smaller and closer, through kindness and solidarity.”
On March 3, people in Bridgwater held a candle-lit vigil in solidarity with Ukraine at the King Square war memorial.
Read more: 'Nothing UN can or should do to halt full-blown war in Ukraine' - Liddell-Grainger
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here