With the assistance of volunteers, the Mayor of Hailsham has collected over £2,000 funds raised from local residents and businesses during the past few weeks, proceeds of which will go to up to 15 humanitarian aid charities.
The money raised, totalling £2,178, will via the local post office which is accepting donations, be given to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) fundraising campaign to help refugees from Ukraine.
Currently, every post office in the UK is accepting donations for the fundraising campaign being conducted by the DEC – an umbrella group for 15 UK humanitarian aid charities – funds which will be used to provide food, water, medical and other assistance to refugees fleeing Ukraine.
The Hailsham High Street post office, managed and operated by the Town Council, is accepting donations from people, by cash, card or cheque, and all funds donated will be matched by the government up to a total of £20m.
“The tragic scenes which have taken place in Ukraine this past month have made many people in Hailsham look for ways they can personally help,” said Town Mayor & Chairman of the Town Council, Councillor Paul Holbrook.” Reflecting back to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic which showed that people in Hailsham have a true, caring community spirit and can rally support in times of need, for the people in Ukraine, this time is now and many are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.”
“We are all shocked by the unprovoked attack and invasion of Ukraine, a democratic and sovereign country, and the Town Council is keen to promote on its social media channels any fundraising or relief aid activities being carried out locally for Ukraine. We encourage local organisations to get in touch.”
“We stand with Ukraine and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. We are all hopeful of a peaceful end and just want to demonstrate that we are behind the people of Ukraine.”
In addition to fundraising by residents and local businesses, Cllr Holbrook led tributes at a special wreath-laying service which was held at the Hailsham War Memorial two weeks ago, an act of remembrance held to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have lost everything following the Russian invasion.
Grateful to everyone who took time out to attend, Councillor Holbrook said: “The Remembrance Service was an opportunity and a time for us to reflect and show our empathy and solidarity to the people of Ukraine. I and my colleagues at the Town Council are saddened and appalled by the ongoing situation in Ukraine.”
“It truly is hard to believe that this is happening in Europe in the 21st century, and we can only hope that Russia ceases this offensive before too many more innocent civilian lives are lost.”
How Can You Help?
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities, raising funds to effectively respond to overseas disasters. DEC Charities are in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meeting the needs of all refugees and displaced people. Donations can be made via their website:
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
Financial Donations:
Any amount of money given can go a long way to help those in need. Charities include:
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk