Overwhelming reaction to Forfar Rotary's Ukraine appeal

The club launched the appeal last Wednesday following an offer of transport for aid items from one of its members.

Its intention had been to set up a drop-off point in Tesco’s car park on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but the initial response was so overwhelming that the Friday collection had to be cancelled as volunteers had as many donations as they could handle.

From the collection point, the goods were taken to local company Stonepack which had turned its offi ce over to the club for items to be sorted.

The appeal’s success was down to a concerted community effort by the Rotarians, volunteers, support from local businesses and the public’s reaction to the refugees’ plight.

Essential items donated i ncl uded new and used clothing, food, toiletries, nappi es, first aid items, flasks and cat and dog food.

Rotarian Jim McCluskey said: “I am overwhelmed at the response to our appeal. I never thought that I would have my arm around a woman in Forfar shedding tears for unknown women and children so far away.

“I would like to thank the following, Rotarians and non-Rotarians who helped at Tesco car park on Wednesday and Thursday, Kenny McLean for the use of his trailer, Laura Coventry who just turned up to help, Jon Dow for the use of a van and driver, Forfar Removals for the supply of boxes and packing tape and Tesco for the use of their car park.

“ A special thanks to Hayden and all the staff at Stonepack for their hard work sorting and packing of goods yesterday.

“ Thanks to everyone who turned up at Stonepack to sort and box the items received from Carnoustie and Monifieth Schools last night. We managed to have everything ready for the 11am lorry.

“ Most of all thanks to the people of Forfar for their generosity and speedy response to our appeal.

"We have an exc ess w hich we will put to good use to assist the people of Ukraine if we can get transpor t but howe ver we finally cl ear, mostly clothi n g , it will no t b e waste d.”