Aid initiative continues to strive in town

By timesecholife on in All News, Leek news

A humanitarian aid initiative in a Moorlands town is continuing to strive. We reported last month that Bank House in St Edward Street, Leek, has become a hub for people to drop off donations of items and cash to help those affected by war-torn Ukraine.

A humanitarian aid initiative in a Moorlands town is continuing to strive.

We reported last month that Bank House in St Edward Street, Leek, has become a hub for people to drop off donations of items and cash to help those affected by war-torn Ukraine.

The initiative, which is being run by a band of volunteers with the help of Leek town councillor Roy Molson, continues to strive and has seen lots of lorry loads of donations make their way to help those in need.

Cllr Molson said: “Bank House on St Edward Street, Leek is the hub for a team of volunteers who are collecting, sorting and shipping aid to the thousands of refugees fleeing the war in the Ukraine.

“Working alongside other groups around Staffordshire and Cheshire, donations are sorted and boxed before being sent on to organisations that are loading lorries, taking the aid to Poland and into the Ukraine.

“The team has obtained the use of Bank House as a base while the premises are empty.

“The kind of items we are collecting are, medical supplies, wheelchairs, crutches or walking aids, sanitary products, food, (tins should have a ring pull), pet food, nappies, clean blankets and sleeping bags.”

Roy continued: “We are also collecting new clothing for adults and children who will be housed in this area.

“Donations of cash are also welcome, as the cost of transporting the aid is considerable.”

Bank House is owned by Leek Town Council and has, for a time, been empty after a number of community organisations relocated to offices elsewhere in the town.

Cllr Molson said: “With the assistance of the town council the property is being restored, after sustaining damage due to a blocked downpipe, resulting in flooding.

“This is an opportunity to put this property, owned by the people of Leek, to good use.

“I have started work on a plan to re-use the premises for the future support of youth, veterans and vulnerable people, creating a safe space to help those feeling left out by society.

“Whether that is refugees, veterans or young people, we have an opportunity here to make a difference.”

Bank House is open for Ukraine donations to be dropped off on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm.

Cllr Molson added: “I would like to thank all those who have donated, but this is a long term project and needs continuous support.”

As well as donations of much-needed items, and cash, youngsters from Westwood First School have also sent messages of support which have been included in the cargo heading out from Leek to those in need.

To keep up to date with the Leek Ukraine Aid initiative, go online to: www.facebook.com/Leek-and-Cheddleton-Aid-Support-for-Ukraine.

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