Solidarity Sunday for Ukraine to be held in Preston Flag Market; When it is and what donations are needed

Supported by Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Neil Darby, the event between 12 pm and 4pm will see family-friendly activities such as flag making, face painting for children, music and more.

The event aims to also act as a fundraising point, so that aid and donations can be sent to those in need back in Ukraine. There are more than six million refugees that have fled

from Ukraine, with 100 people living in the Preston area and approximately 1000 people in Lancaster.

Many of the Ukrainian refugees have harrowing tales to tell, including Olena who said: “I am from Kharkiv. It's only 25 km from the Russian border. Kharkiv has been bombed

every day since February 24, not one quiet day. More than 150 schools were destroyed. At first, only volunteers and churches helped people. There were neighbourhoods where only these two could provide access to food and medicine.

“Today, there are still villages where food is delivered only by armoured vehicles. I am glad that I left on time and that there were many active people who united together to do the greatest job of helping others. My husband keeps telling me that he can do this much only because he knows that we are safe. I pray and I really hope that the war will stop soon and all the cities of Ukraine will be safe.”

Mayor of Preston, Neil Darby said: “I am pleased to join the solidarity event on Sunday, to show support with our Ukrainian friends. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis, seeing families displaced and fleeing their country for safety elsewhere.

There will be donation points at the event on Sunday.

The following have been urgently requested, so that they can be directed to residents of Ukraine:

Tinned food with long best before dates

Mobility aides

Nappies

Incontinence pants and pads

Thermal underwear

Hats and gloves (adults and children)

Backpacks

Haemostatic bandages

Thermal blankets

Torches

Socks