New humanitarian hub for Ukraine aid set up in Havant
An empty shop in the Meridian Centre is being converted
A vacant shop unit in Havant has been converted into a donation hub collecting humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine.
Havant Borough Council has provided the unit in the Meridian Shopping Centre for local charity Stella’s Voice to get donations sent to Ukrainian refugees.
Items including warm clothes for women, children and teenagers, counter medicines, nappies wipes and other essential baby items, toothpaste, deodorants, shampoo, soaps and blankets are welcome.
Food with at least six-month expiry dates such as dried, packet or tinned food are also welcome, the items will be shipped to Moldova to help those in need.
Councillor Alex Rennie, leader of Havant Borough Council, said:
"The situation is developing quickly, and I know many local people want to show their support for Ukraine in practical ways.
‘By opening this collection point here in the heart of Havant town centre it will allow donations to be quickly processed before being shipped out to those most in need.’
Wayne Keeping, operations director at Stella’s Voice added: ‘The situation looks set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century, and we are responding as quickly and effectively as possible.
‘People in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring countries are relying on international aid and the generosity of strangers around the world, just to get the basic necessities.’
The donation point will be open Monday to Friday 9.30 am–4pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm for the next eight weeks, online donations are welcome on the Stella’s Voice website.
The charity is also asking anyone who has a warehouse or similar size space to assist with storage, and anyone who wishes to volunteer can call Stella’s Voice directly on 07811 091814.