Hucknall shows 'massive heart' as vast amount of donations are collected for Ukraine

Donations for people fleeing war-torn Ukraine, collected by a range of Hucknall businesses, were delivered to the drop-off point in Loughborough yesterday (Sunday 6 March).

A convoy of around 18 vehicles departed the town at 11:30 yesterday morning to transport the range of items such as blankets, toiletries, first aid kits, tinned food, bedding and children's toys, generously donated by the people of Hucknall.

The donations were dropped off at Loughborough Polish Social Club, who will transport them to Poland, which borders Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine ten days ago (Thursday 24 February) and this has resulted in mass bloodshed and destruction. The United Nations estimates 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine since the conflict began with many of them heading for Poland.

Local resident, Charlotte Turner, who works as a nurse was so touched by the images of the war that she saw on the news, she felt compelled to get involved. However, the response of the local community has far exceeded her wildest expectations.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, she said: "We are watching the world fall apart for so many whilst we carry on. It's heart-breaking.

"No one had anything to gain from giving up their business space to store donations. No one gained anything from going out their way to give the smallest of donations to families who have lost so much. No one gained anything by giving up their time to pack overwhelming amounts of donations, and no one gained anything from helping transport Hucknall's generosity. No one had to help me make my small idea a big reality. But yet everybody did."

Damien O'Connor, owner of Damo's bar on Annesley Road, who helped coordinate the project and kept people up to date on where to send their donations and which items were needed on his company's Facebook page, took to social media to thank the town for their generosity.

He said: "To every person who donated regardless of size, THANK-YOU. your efforts and contributions are now in the hands of those who will be helping over 1 MILLION Ukrainian refugees who have fled the conflict into Poland.

"Hucknall really has got a great community and a massive heart. We're proud to be at the center (sic) of it and to have helped towards something that over the past 2 weeks has touched so many."

To follow the progress of the donations, or for more information about the cause, visit Loughborough Polish Social Club's Facebook page here.