Children who have fled their bombed out homes in Ukraine could soon be snuggling up in a Keswick sleeping bag or receiving a backpack from the town full of pens, papers, a small toy and sweets.
Businesswoman Sally Chambers, who went to Keswick School and has children there, has linked up with Sharon Hodgson, of Keswick’s Star Beauty so that donations of that sort can be dropped off at the salon premises in Luptons Court, off Main Street.
Sally is appealing for dark-coloured sleeping bags, new or nearly new backpacks aimed at Ukrainian youngsters who are being welcomed into Polish schools and given a backpack, and items such as new underwear, socks and tights for all ages.
The mum, of Greysouthen, near Cockermouth, is the owner of Baltic Holidays, and would usually be planning tailor-made trips for clients holidaying in places such as Ukraine and Poland.
Instead, she is now liaising with one of her guides in Krakow, Paulina, who is now devoting her time working to help some of the 2.1 million refugees, many of whom have no belongings and are exhausted and suffering from trauma and cold.
Mountain Warehouse in Main Street is also helping out by giving 40 per cent off purchases made for Ukraine, with a donation box in store. She has linked up with South Cumbria-based Bay Search & Rescue to transport the items out.
To donate money go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sally-chambers-1
