A Polish businessman has set up collection points in his shops for people to donate aid to Ukraine.
Krystian Klicki, 47, runs Polish Shop Dino in Maryport, Carlisle and Dumfries, and these shops will accept donations for people fleeing from the Russian invasion of the country.
The business has joined forces with transport firm Trans-Voyager Borowscy.
Hundreds of thousands of people are trying to escape the country and Kristian said he could not stand by and do nothing.
“All I want to do is help. These people have nothing and we must help. I decided last night to do something and already, people have been talking and donating. I can’t believe the response.
“Two people came into the shop in Maryport and gave us money for the people of Ukraine so we’re going to have boxes in the shops for people to donate too.
“We already have eight bags of clothes and we will take all the donations by truck to OSP Bielsko-Biała Kamenica, where the refugees from Ukraine are currently displaced.
“I am talking to the fire chief there and he is going to help.
“The refugees had to leave their homes and have nothing. I have a friend in Poland who is giving his home, another who has offered to feed refugees. This is what I can do from here.”
Kristian, who began his businesses five years ago, said he had been overwhelmed by the response so far and was grateful to everyone who had pledged their support.
Suggested donations include:
- Bedding
- Clothes
- Baby clothes
- Nappies
- Toys
- Dry food products
Polish Shop Dino in Kendal cannot currently accept donations.
On Sunday night, a silent candlelight vigil was held in Carlisle. Read more here.
