A street collection for the people of Ukraine – desperately trying to flee to safety - was ‘hastily arranged’ by Dartmouth Rotarians last weekend.

Members of the Rotary Club of Dartmouth took to the streets on Saturday to raise funds. Residents and visitors alike showed their generosity and support for the plight of the Ukrainian nation by filling the collection buckets to the tune of almost £3,000. And on the same day donations of almost £1,000 were paid into the Rotary Club Charity Account.

Amongst those to support the Rotary collection was multi award winning vocalist, Jacqui Dankworth and the acclaimed American pianist-vocalist, Charlie Wood, who’d performed at the Flavel the evening before.

Club President Nick Hindmarsh said, “Like everyone, Rotary members are shocked and appalled by what they see happening in the Ukraine. This is personal for the Dartmouth club with one of our members having family in Kyiv and further east.

“When the club met we agreed we had to do something now, and plan for further efforts in the coming weeks. Two days after meeting we ran an on-street collection in town that raised almost £3,000 due to the generosity of local and visiting people. Club members turned out in force to support the hastily arranged collection. All funds will be used to support the ShelterBox effort in Ukraine.”

ShelterBox is coordinating a national appeal for the people of Ukraine. A spokesperson said:“Hundreds of thousands of people across Ukraine are on the move, desperately trying to flee to safety. Innocent civilians are being killed, families and lives are being torn apart.

“ShelterBox is responding. Temperatures drop well below freezing at night, so we are looking at how and where items like blankets, mattresses, winter clothes, and heaters may be able to help people, as well as other aid.

“Your support will provide lifesaving aid for families affected by the Ukraine crisis.”

To make a donation, the BACS details are The Rotary Club of Dartmouth Charity Fund are 52-30-20, 33125449.