Where in Liverpool can I donate to Ukraine? How to help refugees and those staying to fight Russian invasion

Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukraine - the biggest European invasion since 1945 - has received widespread condemnation from across the globe since it began in February.

Liverpool has voiced it’s opposition to the military aggression ordered by Russia president Vladimir Putin and have hoisted the Ukrainian flag above the city in a show of solidarity.

And the people of Liverpool are desperate to help Ukrainians.

Whether it’s offering financial help and donating to a charitable organisation operating in Ukraine, or providing food, clothing and other important items to those staying, fighting or fleeing.

Here are just some of the ways you can help.

How to donate food, clothing and medicine

There are appeals for food, medical items and clothing donations throughout the area.

The Polish Integration Support Centre (PISC) is asking for foil survival blankets, toys, nappies, sanitary towels, first aid kits, colouring books, thermal clothing, toothbrushes and other essential survival items.

You can find them at 254 County Road in Walton, from 8am to 9pm for donations, or call Bartosz Lisowski on 07919 203 069 for more information or to enquire about the essentials they ask for.

Donate money

One of the simplest ways to provide help to the people of the Ukraine is to donate to humanitarian and emergency funds.

The Embassy of Ukraine in the UK has set up a global support fund to help provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s civilian population.

You Donate here, at www.withUkraine.org

The Red Cross has its Ukraine Crisis Appeal to try and support Ukrainian civilians as the situation escalates.

You can donate to the Red Cross’ appeal at donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has another appeal for funds to help provide life-saving protection for families forced to flee their homes.

The UN High Commissioner for Regugees, Filippo Grandi said: “Countless lives will be torn apart. We have already seen reports of casualties and people starting to flee their homes to seek safety.”

Donations can be made at donate.unrefugees.org.uk

Defend Ukraine have also collated a list of appeals, charities, and donation links which vary in strategy and recipient, allowing you to choose where your money goes more acutely, from the Military to Medicine to Ukrainian journalists.

Find out more at at defendukraine.org

Demonstrations

On Ash Wednesday, Christians in Liverpool along with non-religious organisations such as CND will be holding what has become their annual ‘Walk of Witness’ through the city centre to oppose the war and arms trade.

They will be assembling at 11:45 on Wednesday March 2 at the steps of the Bombed out Church.

On Thursday March 10, Merseyside Stop the War is holding a rally at The Casa to discuss how the anti-war movement should respond to the crisis, with speakers from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Stop the War.

It will begin at 7pm and end at 9pm at The Casa on Hope Street.

Parliamentary plea

Another way you can support the people of Ukraine is through our parliamentary representatives.

This can be done via email (the Ukrainian Institute London has a draft one available) and you can find the contact details of your consitituency MP on the WriteToThem website.

Merseyside MPs have been vocal with their support of the Ukrainian people so far.

Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree called the images coming from the invasion “horrifying and deeplydisturbing,” and said “War has finally and regrettably returned to Europe for the first time in a generation.”

Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside called the invasion “unprovoked and unjustifiable.”

Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby, quoted the UN General secretary, saying: “President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia. This conflict must stop now.”