A PAIR of vets have launched an appeal for cash and goods for refugees from war-torn Ukraine which they plan to personally deliver to those in need on the border with Poland.
Will Barker, clinical director of Castle Vets, in Barnard Castle, and Luke Williams, who works at the company’s Malton practice, are hoping to set off with the van load of supplies on Wednesday, April 6.
Castle Vets practices in Barney, Darlington Farmers’ Auction Mart and Malton, are acting as collection points for donated goods.
Mr Barker said: “There are two angles to this. We are collecting things people need. Not clothes, but new underwear and socks, plus baby supplies, sanitary towels, toiletries and toilet rolls.
“We are also collecting dried food goods such as porridge.”
In addition, the vets raising cash via an online Justgiving page, which has so far received almost £7,000 in pledges. In all, they have set a fundraising target of £10,000.
Mr Barker said the money would allow them to use their network to buy supplies, primarily medical and trauma equipment, such as dressings and bandaging materials.
“We will work with our suppliers and contacts in Poland and Ukraine to ensure we can use donations to buy as much as possible of the most urgently needed supplies we are able to obtain.
“If there is any funds left over after the trip we will use these to fund a second journey or donate them to the Disasters Emergencies Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.”
Mr Barker said the vets were simply keen “to do their” bit to help those affected by the conflict.
“We are totally blown away by everyone’s generosity, it is going to allow us to take a huge amount of much needed supplies out to Poland.”
To donate to the Justgiving page, go to https://www.just giving.com/crowdfunding/castlefarmvetsukraineappeal?utm_id=1&utm_term=aqWEy3PaW.
