THE people of Crediton are being asked to support a collection of items to be taken to support people from Ukraine, which will take place this Saturday, July 30.

Shobrooke man, Joe Bussell, is a member of Exeter Friends of Ukraine, and he is the co-ordinator of the collection of items.

By kind permission of Crediton Rugby Club, Joe will hold an Aid Donation Drop-Off day at Crediton Rugby Club car park on Saturday from 11am until 2pm.

The items Joe is collecting include the following:

Toiletries: Soap, Flannels, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Gel, Female items, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes.

Baby Items: Nappies, Wipes, Tissues, Talc and Skin Creams.

Toys: Colouring Books, Pencils, Crayons, Puzzles, Board Games, Play Balls, Soft Cuddly Dolls and Teddies and Arts and Craft items.

Summer Clothes: All ages - T-Shirts, Light Jumpers and Hoodies, New Socks and Underwear and Shorts.

Medical: Trauma Packs, Bandages, Plasters, Antiseptics, First Aid Boxes and Prescription and Non Prescription medicines.

Non Perishable Food: Snack Bars, Sweets, Dry Foods and Breakfast Nutrition Foods.

Joe told the “Courier”: “My next trip to Ukraine with aid will take place on September 20.

“Fortunately, items such as clothes that I cannot take will go to CR2EE, which will take the items to Moldova where a lot of people have sought shelter.

“I will be taking the high priority items such as medicines, trauma packs and urgently requested items.”

Joe explained that the last time he went he hired a van but he has since bought a 16-seater minibus and has upgraded his licence and hopes to return with refugees or their luggage or personal belongings.

To-date the Exeter Friends of Ukraine has dispatched 28 van loads of aid to Przemysl, a border town east of Krakow.

Joe explained that this is a round trip of nearly 2,900 miles.  He said it costs about £2,000 per journey over six or seven days with two volunteer drivers.

Joe completed his first trip in April.

To enable the aid to be delivered, the Friends fundraise via public appeals.

Joe explained: “We would be extremely grateful, on behalf of the Ukraine refugees, if you are able to donate.

“I have a formal charity page with JustGiving Crowdfunding and with easy access via my Facebook page ‘Joe Bussell’ by scrolling down to the picture of Exeter Cathedral overlaid with the Ukrainian flag.

“Tap the screen and this will take you directly to my  JustGiving page.”