HELPING others who need it is thankfully a common trait of people in the Crediton area, and everyone is certainly pulling out all the stops to help those in need as a result of the atrocities in Ukraine.

Many people have been making financial donations to charities supporting Ukranian refugees and others have also set up collection centres for clothing and other essential items which can be delivered to people who have escaped the country and are in desperate need.

One of the first to be established in Crediton was at R and G Barbershop and Shaving Parlour, off Crediton’s Town Square.

Proprietor Rob explained: “I felt helpless about the situation for the people escaping Ukraine and collecting donations of items that are needed is something that we can do.

“I would ask people to leave items downstairs.

“I have a van and will be dropping the items off to the Polish shop in Exeter on Saturday afternoon.”

Rob added that if he is not there, items can be left at CraftSisters, which is located in the same building.

Things needed include: Nappies, Baby wipes, Sanitary items, Pain killers, Batteries, Torches, Thermal clothing, Duvets/blankets/sleeping bags, Sleeping mats, Towels, Long life foods, Children’s toys and warm coats and clothing.

In addition, The Duke of York pub in Crediton is also accepting donations and many village organisations are also doing the same.

Locally, Mike and Allie Krefta and Simon O’Sullivan are also collecting items.

They took to social media and explained: “I’m sure you’ve all been as touched by the atrocities happening in Ukraine as we have and this is an appeal to our fellow Devonians for assistance.

“We are in touch with a large chain of Polish shops in the UK who have empty lorries heading back to Poland and willing to take donations of key supplies to the Polish/Ukrainian border.

“We’ve asked what is most needed but given how early on in the crisis we are it’s difficult to know exactly. However the list below is one we’ve been provided with. There are lots of organisations collecting clothes so only a few key items of clothing are listed below. Please only give new or items in good condition for hygiene reasons and ease of transportation.”

Items needed:

Sleeping supplies - Duvets, camp beds, inflatable mattresses, bed linen, sleeping bags. All in packaging please to protect them in transit and in good condition

Towels of varying sizes, in original packaging or good condition

Toys for children of varying ages

Hygiene products (new and packaged) - e.g. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary products, nappies of varying sizes

Plates and cutlery - no crockery or items likely to break in transit. Preferably biodegradable items, silicone or plastic.

Rain jackets, warm winter coats/fleeces

Covid masks, antibacterial wipes/alcohol gels, paper towels/tissues

Candles, torches, batteries, matches

New first aid kits.

Based in Colebrooke, a small team is willing to collect from people locally (07717 750794) or items can be taken to the Maja Deli in Exeter.

Maja Exeter, 90 Buller Road, Exeter EX4 1AU.

VIGIL

Last night, Thursday, March 3, a Candlelit Vigil was held in Crediton’s Town Square to show support for the people of Ukraine.

The vigil included readings, silence and the joining of hands.

Gerald Conyngham, on behalf of the Welcoming Refugees in Crediton group, issued a statement about the situation in Ukraine.

It reads: “Refugees are the first casualties of war.

“We are already hearing stories of Ukranians leaving their homes just as Syrians have been leaving theirs during the last nine years.

“In Crediton, our group was able to provide a home for a Kurdish refugee family from Syria in March 2020 and support them to settle into our town.

“We are shortly going to welcome an Afghan family.

SUFFERING

“We are very sad about the situation unfolding in Ukraine since we know full well the suffering of ordinary people caught up in these situations and hope peace will be restored as soon as possible.”

Mel Stride, the MP for Central Devon, earlier this week signed the Parliamentary Book of Solidarity for Ukraine.

Afterwards Mel said: “The UK stands with Ukraine in the face of this unprovoked invasion by Russia.

“Along with our allies, we are imposing the largest and most severe package of sanctions Putin has ever seen.

“We are supplying Ukraine with military and financial support, and we will welcome Ukrainians to the UK to provide refuge to many of those in need.

“Our united approach is already having a major impact on the Russian economy and its Oligarchs, which will put heavy internal pressure on Putin.”

Up to four million refugees may be seen as a result of the crisis, many already having fled Ukraine for neighbouring countries.

Many groups and organisations, shops, businesses, etc are collecting donations.

If you are doing so, please let us know at the Crediton Courier so that we can share your details.  Send us your photos and news at: [email protected] .