WILTSHIRE for UKRAINE

My name is Magdalena and I am from Poland. My family has taken in refugees from Ukraine. 

Picture above was drawn by Yuliya (aged 9) on the 6th of March 2022, the day she arrived with her family at the flat provided by my parents. Picture represents a girl in protective helmet surrounded by an air raids. 

As a founder of WILTSHIRE for UKRAINE Facebook group, I am raising funds to provide monetary help direct to relocated Ukrainian mothers and their children. Because of my good link with Poland I’ll be able to provide instant funds and fill the gap between big charities and their users. 

Your donations will help these vulnerable families rebuild their lives in new homes. WILTSHIRE for UKRAINE hopes to bring a little ray of sunshine, and restore some faith in humanity.

My story:

When I first heard about this crisis, my initial thought was “I should just go to the Polish border and help!” It felt like the right thing to do in that immediate moment. However, I live here in the UK, so I thought what could I do locally?

A friend from the Salisbury polish community started collecting donations in her beauty salon, with the intention to transport them to Poland to help the refugees. Soon, her little shop was overwhelmed with the volume of generous donations. The operation needed to expand, so I brought my skills into play to help it grow. I set up the Facebook group, began networking, getting in touch with local collection hubs, businesses, media outlets, the local council and recruiting volunteers. This all culminated in the end of week one with an artic lorry loaded with local donations, it’s final destination - Lviv in Ukraine. 

On the 23rd of March I will be visiting Poland in person. I can then find out what are the most pressing needs from those affected. My family have taken in refugees themselves, this will give me an opportunity to discover what is essential to their immediate needs. This information can be assumed for all those relocated. 

Drawn by Yuliya (aged 9) - one of the girls who found a peaceful home thanks to my parents. 

The top picture represents the urge to find a peaceful solution to finish this conflict. The pictures beneath represent children with protective helmets being surrounded by dangerous aircraft.

You can rest assured that your donations will reach those who need it. 

I will post regular updates about this worthy cause.