WHILE the atrocity in Ukraine might seem far away, many Powys residents are leaping into action and doing what they can for the heartbroken people of the country.

As the humanitarian crisis unfolds following Russia’s invasion of its neighbour last week, many people in the UK are searching to find out how they can help or offer assistance.

In Powys, clothing appeals have been launched in Builth Wells by Shane Llewelyn-Jones – who is urging residents near and far to drop off items like warm clothing, sleeping bags, crayons and toys, as well as blankets and first aid kits at his home this week.

In Llandrindod Wells, meanwhile, a community group has also started an appeal and wants locals to get in touch.

In Builth, Shane is inviting people to drop items off at his home at 4 Bank Square (LD2 3BB) from today, informing people they need to drop off items before Thursday evening (March 3).

In a post titled ‘Items now needed by Thursday evening as lorry leaving Friday’ on the Builth Wells brill bargains, sell buy or give away Facebook page on Monday night, Shane said: “Urgent help needed for Ukrainian people.

“As of tomorrow, March 1, my house, 4 Bank Square in Builth Wells, is a drop off point for items such as new clothes, ladies, gents, children, babies, toys, blankets washing items, soap, shampoo, deodorant and baby items.

“In-particular we need thermal clothing, sleeping bags, crayons, toys, survival blankets, first aid kits and plasters, sanitary towels, new clothing, metal cups.

“All Items to be dropped off by Thursday evening, March 3, when we will take all items to a central collection point.

“I’m sure we all have something to give no matter how small. We decided to do this as, personally, I can’t sit back and watch and do nothing.

“Let’s show Ukraine and the world that our Mid Wales and its people are fully behind them. Please share far and wide.”

Ashfield also posted their own Ukraine Appeal on Monday, saying: “We will be collecting for the Ukraine appeal. The first shipment will be going on Thursday, March 3.

“Items needed include clothes and shoes (both must be in good condition), sanitary products, baby milk in a sealed container, blankets and sleeping bags, towels, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, first aid kits/medical supplies and bottled water.”

Elsewhere, in the county, two affiliated schools are doing what they can too. Adam Shearman, who is joint head at both Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School and Llanfihangel Rhydithon Community Primary School in Dolau, said when commenting on Mr Llewelyn-Jones’ post: “We are planning a fundraiser at Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School so we will see what we can do to help.”

Dolau School posted on social media, along with the slogan ‘I stand with Ukraine’, on blue and yellow background: “Please support our Blue and Yellow Day this week with either a cash donation or an item on the list found on our Facebook page post.

“Our headteacher, Mr Shearman, will donate 50p per Facebook share (up to 100 shares), please see our Facebook page for details.”

On the Facebook page, the school added: “This week we will be holding a ‘wear blue and yellow’ day to stand with those in Ukraine. We would like the children to come to school dressed in blue or yellow.

County Times: Shane Llewelyn-Jones, who owns the Bee Welsh Honey company, is getting behind the Ukraine Appeal in Builth Wells. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB79-2021-8 Shane Llewelyn-Jones, who owns the Bee Welsh Honey company, is getting behind the Ukraine Appeal in Builth Wells. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB79-2021-8

“We are asking for a donation to send to those in need. This can be cash or an item that we will take to the local collection point being organised by Shane Jones.”

The Blue and Yellow Day will be on Thursday in Llanelwedd and Friday in Dolau.

A number of UK charities have launched appeals; the British Red Cross has launched a Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross to fund food, water, first aid, medicines, warm clothes and shelter.

Red Cross teams are also providing first aid training to people in metro stations and bomb shelters and, in the last few days, have delivered over 15,000 litres of drinking water to villages in eastern Ukraine.

The UNHCR refugee agency is collecting monetary donations for humanitarian assistance, emergency shelter and relief items like blankets. It will also fund psychological support for refugees.

Welsh Member of the Senedd Mick Antoniw – whose family are from Ukraine – launched a crowdfunder earlier this week, which has so far raised almost £35,000. You can donate at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/helpukraine.