Exeter Friends of Ukraine was started as a way for those in our community to reach out to our Ukrainian friends in their time of need. Our community has been incredibly generous in donating essential items and we are now in desperate need of logistics assistance such as vans, fuel, storage space and essential items such as iodine and bandages.

We are working with people, businesses, and churches all around our community. The polish shop on South Street has been collecting donations for Ukraine from the first day of the war. Parrs farm in Marsh Barton has donated a huge barn to sort and store donations, and the Blessed Sacrament Church in Heavitree was the first church to agree to be a collection and sortation point. (They put out a call to their parishioners for donations, which they answered so fully, we had to pause donations after only two weeks.)

We know that there are bigger, national charities that are also involved and are working hard to serve Ukraine. We applaud them, but we also feel there is a space for smaller, more agile groups such as ourselves. Multiple members of our group are Ukrainian and are in constant contact with their friends and relatives who are sheltering in Ukraine. One member of our group is in contact with the medical professionals of a hospital in Ukraine. If we had more logistical capabilities, we could answer their requests within days, not weeks. The supplies we collect go directly into the hands of medical personnel and people sheltering in Ukraine.

If you follow our page on Facebook you will see your donations being sorted, packed, transported and received. You are welcome to include notes to those in Ukraine to let them know we stand with them. https://www.facebook.com/Exeter-Friends-of-Ukraine-101409902499415/?ref=page_internal

A round trip in a donated van costs approximately 1200 pounds. We have the donations, we have the drivers, we have dozens of amazing volunteers to load vans, sort supplies, and pack boxes. Please consider donating to help us with petrol, the tunnel, a ferry, accommodation or a hundred other things that will get this aid where it needs to be in the shortest amount of time possible.

If we can reach at least 5,000 pounds we will attempt to set up an official UK charity. This can be a difficult process, but we feel it is an important step in meeting our mission's goals of integrity and transparency whilst providing aid to Ukraine. Thank you ever so much.