A collection point in Llanidloes has been overwhelmed with donations for Ukrainians fleeing their homes following the Russian invasion last week.

People in Llanidloes and the surrounding area have been praised for their generosity after donating items to the Llani Pop Up, located opposite the Spar shop in Long Bridge Street.

Maggie Lekarczyk, collection point organiser, said the response from the community has been “absolutely amazing”.

“I was actually quite emotional about it today,” she said. “I would like to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Maggie, who is originally from Poland but now lives in Llanidloes, has very close friends in Ukraine. She said she was frustrated and angry by what she had seen on the news and felt she had to help.

 

Donations from Llanidloes for people fleeing their homes in Ukraine on March 2 2022. Picture by Maggie Lekarcyk

Donations from Llanidloes for people fleeing their homes in Ukraine on March 2 2022. Picture by Maggie Lekarcyk

 

Following the three-day collection, which ends at 5pm on Thursday (March 3), Maggie will deliver the items to Shrewsbury with the Shropshire European Organisation which will then get transported to London and across central Europe for people in Ukraine and refugees on the border with Poland.

Maggie said: “I was planning to drop everything in a car but I think I will now need a lorry!”

The collection point is no longer accepting clothes and shoes after being overwhelmed by the amount of items. Volunteers have asked for thermal mugs and blankets, baby milk, tampons and feminine hygiene products (no sanitary pads), batteries, torches, packing tape and first aid products as items that are much-needed in Ukraine.

The final collection will take place at Llani Pop Up from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday, March 3.

A fundraiser will also be held at The Hanging Gardens.