Inverness charity looks for donations of old items in aid of Ukrainian refugees
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Highlands for Ukraine is asking for donations of old mobile phones or bicycles from anyone who received new ones for Christmas.
The charity has been collecting bikes and mobiles to provide to the 460 or so Ukrainians now seeking shelter and safety in the Highlands.
The vast majority are housed in hotels round the north with no host families to support them or help them settle in an unfamiliar country.
There has been an extremely generous response from individuals since the initiative began after refugees started arriving in the Highlands from their war-torn country.
But it has not managed to meet the total need for items that could make Ukrainians lives easier here and keep them in touch with family at home.
Helen MacRae, of Highlands for Ukraine, said that the initial need for clothing and toiletries had been met with extreme generosity and Ukrainians had been arriving in the Highlands, allocated hotel rooms to provide them with a safe haven but had had to leave all but their most precious belongings behind them, including everyday items we might take for granted.
She said: “We received an amazing response when we asked for help with toiletries, clothing and shoes but as time has passed, other needs have begun to come to light.
“Mobile phones run out of battery life or break, and our Ukrainian guests find transport a challenge so bikes make it really easy to get around, particularly when there are language issues, which is extremely common.
“This is a time of year when items like mobiles and bikes are often replaced by gifts of new models, so we are asking any families who have older, now unused, ones to please consider passing them on to us and it costs nothing to share such a gift with people who really need our help as they are trying to reshape their lives from absolutely nothing.”
With the backing and support of local cycle repair businesses, Highlands for Ukraine has been collecting bikes to pass on to Ukrainian adults and children for several months, making sure they are roadworthy and safe, and has also launched a Crowdfunding page to buy essential safety equipment and pay for repairs.
But many more bikes are needed, as are mobile phones that are still in good condition.
Helen added: “The majority of Ukrainians here are mums with children and they are settling really well. They are all so grateful to be here in safety but there are still aspects of their lives that are not being met.
“It is really difficult to start over in a country where you do not understand the language or culture, and are very far from home where they have left loved-ones behind.
“Mobile phones can be a lifeline to family and bikes can help them get to know their new environment and get to job interviews.
“So we are looking for all the help we can get to make sure these things are available to them if needed and this is the very time of year when we should be thinking of those who have so much less than we do. Passing on a phone or bike will cost nothing but make a huge difference to someone else’s life.”
Highlands for Ukraine has been working since the outbreak of the war to send many tonnes of aid to the country as well as support the displaced Ukrainians coming to the Highlands for safety and shelter.
For more information about donating mobile phones and bikes, email info@highlands.samye.org and donate towards the crowdfunding, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helen-macrae
