A VAN load of items donated by Bradford residents has left the city headed for a Ukrainian mother and baby refugee camp.

Bradford City, alongside its charity, the Community Foundation and Human Relief Foundation, launched an emergency appeal amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

The district’s residents have answered the call and now their items are being transported to a camp near the warn-torn country.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The van packed full of donated goods gets ready for its journey from Bradford to the Ukraine/Romania border The van packed full of donated goods gets ready for its journey from Bradford to the Ukraine/Romania border

Adam Thirsk, director of operations at the Bradford City Community Foundation and Stephen Gilroy, of Farsley-based firm House of Wine, set off on their drive to a camp near the Ukraine/Romanian border to drop off and distribute the donated items.

Goods including clothes, nappies and toiletries have been handed in by kind-hearted Bradford residents since the campaign started two weeks ago. Any excess items will then be transported into Ukraine itself.

 

Mr Thirsk praised the generosity of the people in the district who have donated items.

He said: “It is heart-warming and humbling.

“We have had quite a big buy-in from local businesses on this.

“We are hoping to be there and back by Monday night. We should be there by Saturday afternoon.

 

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“It’s just incredible. It seems everyone is wanting to help and everyone is playing their part.

“Volunteers have helped us pack all of the stuff. Their commitment has just been class.

“Biz Space in Dudley Hill have given us a unit to store goods free of charge for three weeks.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford City's Paudie O'Connor shows his support for Ukraine earlier thgis month. Picture: Tom PearsonBradford City's Paudie O'Connor shows his support for Ukraine earlier thgis month. Picture: Tom Pearson

Mr Thirsk says the overwhelming reaction from people donating goods may mean a second trip is necessary.

The Community Foundation had to pause donations earlier this week due to the amazing response they received.

However, they are back up and running and the Community Foundation is hosting two dedicated drop-off points, where supporters are able to donate emergency aid such as food, drink, clothing and medical supplies which will be shipped to Ukraine.

 

These two points, at The City Shop at the Utilita Energy Stadium and at Horsfall Community Stadium, the home ground of Bradford (Park Avenue), are both open for donations during normal business hours.

They will also be open for each home matchday at Valley Parade, including this Saturday’s League 2 clash against Port Vale, and the Horsfall.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph & Argus is joining forces with all of Newsquest's titles across the UK are united in our efforts to support the people of Ukraine. Please donate what you can via the link to our JustGiving page below.

You can also go to Bradford City’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal JustGiving Fundraiser page to make a donation.