Basingstoke ObserverOVERTON villagers who set up an initiative to send supplies to the Polish/Ukraine border have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.
The appeal launched by Rainy Carter and immediately supported by villagers and local businesses through Love Overton’s Facebook page was originally due to end on Friday but by shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday, there was no capacity left on the truck.
We caught up with Rainy who started the campaign after talking to her former Ukraine colleague Anastasia at Laverstoke’s Watership Down Nursery and felt compelled to help. Rainy explained:” I called Anastasia on Saturday and cannot believe what she and her family are going through, it is just unimaginable. We no longer work together but are still in touch and whilst Anastasia is in the UK, her family are in Ukraine so it is heartbreaking.
I felt totally helpless and wanted to do something. I have been totally overwhelmed by how quickly people came together from within the village and also much further afield as word spread of what we were doing. Everyone wanted to help and I am also being contacted by people in other parts of the country who want to know how they can do the same.
Thanks to the Party Booth and the Red Lion who offered drop off points and to Micheldever Tyres who are donating a van to transport the goods from Overton to Andover to join forces with efforts there in preparation for the journey and to Lloyds Pharmacy in Overton who helped with essential supplies. Also to everyone who donated and apologies to those who were not able to because we received so much, even tents!”
Edyta Janiso-Szkutkowska and Bogusia Rachwal-Komorska will travel to the Polish/Ukraine border with all the goods donated on Saturday.
Other initiatives are being created in and around Basingstoke for those still wishing to donate, one is being supported by local charity Spotlight whose latest appeal information stated: “Spotlight are supporting Helping Dogs and Cats in the appeal for items for the Ukrainian Refugees that are going into Romania. There will be a few vans going to Romania over the next couple of weeks with donations so please if you can help with any of the following please drop to: Hart House, Priestley Road, RG24 9PU. We need: blankets/bedding; baby milks/baby bottles and sterilisers; shoes and coats for all ages.
