Brecon and Radnorshire responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

A Breconshire refugee charity has put out an urgent appeal to help gather supplies to send to those desperately in need on the Polish Ukranian border.

Hay, Brecon & Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees said it has already sent some items to NMCC Church in Neath who will be sending out aid, however they are looking to gather more.

The group, which has collection points in Brecon, Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth, are looking to take items to the church tomorrow - Thursday, March 4.

A charity spokesperson said: “Anyone who wants to donate items on this list may do so at St Mary’s Church in Brecon and also St Mary’s Church In Hay and possibly also at the Coop in Talgarth.. This must be by Thursday morning 10 am so that we can pick up and pack. We are exploring other groups who may be sending items.

“We will post updates on Facebook. And send an update by the end of the week via email.

“Other options to do something include: The Red Cross, UNICEF and International Rescue Committee all have appeals.”

Talgarth councillor William Powell tweeted in support of the move to help the people in Ukraine.

He said: “Heartening to see our community rally to the cause. The humanitarian consequences of this war of aggression unleashed by PUtin are colossal. Respect to you & Louise Elston-Reeves for this initiative, to Co-op Talgarth for hosting & to Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refuees for their advice #StandWithUkraine“

Cllr Powell added: “Talgarth and District Regeneration Group has set set up a collection point at Talgarth Co-Op for anyone in Talgarth, Bronllys and Gwernyfed.

“Will Lloyd, Co-Op Manager and Louise Elston-Reeves are coordinating. We are supporting the efforts of Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees Group”.

Brecon military shop Dixie’s Corner is also collection donations to be sent to people on the border.

The shop said they will be collection donations until this evening - Wednesday, March 2.

The shop posted to its Facebook page: “Due to the horrific situation in Ukraine we are now collecting items to be sent in a container to Poland to support Refugees fleeing the war. Shipment will be leaving Brecon on Thursday the 3rd of March

“For those not able to drop off during the day we will also be there to take donations on Tuesday and Wednesday night from 6.15 until 7pm “

Yesterday the Welsh Government announced that it will provide £4 million in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help support those in desperate need.

Speaking in the chamber, First Minister Mark Drakeford said yesterday: “We stand in support of the Ukrainian people who are bravely resisting this unprovoked and brutal act of war.

“The Welsh Government will provide £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which will help to provide crucial support to many who are in desperate need. We are also assessing what surplus medical equipment could usefully be sent to the country.

“Wales, as a Nation of Sanctuary, stands ready to welcome people fleeing Ukraine. Tomorrow we will be holding urgent discussions with local authority leaders to ensure preparations are in place to accept refugees.

“I have also written to the Prime Minister urging the UK Government to strengthen current arrangements to enable Ukrainian citizens to come to the UK quickly and safely. It is vital people can seek safe sanctuary here without bureaucracy delaying that process.

“The UK Government must honour its duty to allow people to seek safety in situations such as those we are all witnessing today with great sadness and repulsion.”

The Russian attack on Ukraine has caused the displacement of many tens of thousands of Ukrainian people from their homes and marked the onset of what could be the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe for decades. Anyone who is able to help can consider making a financial donation to the British Red Cross, UNICEF UK or to the UNHCR UK.