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Earlier this year the Post reported about the formation of the Chorley and District Support for Ukraine group and, five months later, the dedicated group of volunteers are still going strong.

Reacting to the conflict in Ukraine, the group formed and was quickly supported by Chorley Council who gave them permission to use an empty unit in the town centre, to sort donations.

Now affectionately known as the ‘Ukraine Unit’, the group is still hard at work.

Group co-ordinator and volunteer Stuart Clewlow said: “Through the dedication of the volunteers, we have been able to send out an unbelievable amount of aid to those in need in Ukraine.

Some of the many Chorley and District volunteers helping Ukraine including Stuart Clewlow (yellow vest)

"I am incredibly proud of not only the generosity of people from across Chorley and District but also the hard work of the volunteers."

170 pallets worth of aid has been sent to Ukraine from the ‘Ukraine Unit’, including pallets of nappies, toys, pet food, clothes and medical goods and toiletries.

Stuart explained that the group has evolved to also help people from Ukraine who are now living locally.

He urged anyone needing aid to visit the ‘Ukraine Unit’ to collect items free of charge.

The group is regularly visited by MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Mayor of Chorley Councillor Julia Berry.

The group continues to gather support on the Chorley & District Facebook and its membership currently stands at over 2,250 of people from all across Europe.

Stuart added: “Our ongoing work in Chorley has enabled people from all across the North West to continue to donate items. Many groups organised one off collections at the beginning of the conflict, but we have been here twice a week since then and as a result, people from all across the region now travel to us.

"We will continue for as long as we are able and as long as we have donations to hand out.

Some of the many pallets earmarked for Ukraine

The makeshift ‘Ukraine Unit’ can be found near Reel Cinema and to the side of the Calico Lounge.

The Chorley and District Support for Ukraine group meets at the unit most Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm and Saturdays from 10am until noon, but everyone is advised to check ahead of schedule.

For further information you can email group coordinator Stuart Clewlow at [email protected].

Chorley and District continues to lend their support to Ukraine

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