When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”. Mr Rogers
I am sure that we all will have been touched and affected by the terrible scenes that we are witnessing on a daily basis as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. Across The Canterbury Academy Trust we would very much like to do whatever we can to help people that are being affected in this humanitarian crisis
Our Trust is a proud partner of the Kent Association of Head Teachers (KAH) and together, with many other schools across the county, we are working to collect supplies and resources that we can send to Ukrainian refugees that have crossed the border into Poland.
Mr Dan File (Head Teacher, Elham Primary School) has organised a 40ft container that is being sited at West Park Farm Industrial Estate, Folkestone. He has also organised a number of HGVs which will be used to transport the donations to Poland.
KAH are working with Kent County Council, the British Red Cross and the Invicta Rotary Club to collect and transport items in the next few days and weeks. If you would like to help our friends in Ukraine and support our appeal, then there are a number of ways that you can get involved:
- Donations of supplies: If you are able to donate any items on the list at the bottom of this letter, we would be very grateful indeed. We are not asking you necessarily to go out and purchase these items, but would ask if you have any of these at home, and they are in a good condition and can be spared, then they would be gratefully received.
- KAH need to raise money for fuel for the HGVs that will take these donations to Poland. A Go Fund me page has been set up and we are asking if you can share this far and wide, especially with people that have businesses, or if they are part of organisations that could support us. The Go Fund Me Page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/igor-kovalenko-1?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=socpledgemobile&utm_content=igor-kovalenko-1&utm_campaign=post-pledge-mobile&utm_term=vxG2pyjD7
- KAH are also asking for volunteers to assist at the collection site which has been set up in Folkestone. (Big Jigs in Folkestone- Unit B, Kingsmead, West, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Folkestone CT19 5EU.) If you can share this request across your community via social media sites that you are part of, we would be very grateful. If you feel you may like to volunteer, please contact Dan File directly on headteacher@elham.kent.sch.uk
If you are able to donate any items from the list (at the bottom of the letter) please can you bring them into main reception at The Canterbury Academy, Knight Avenue, CT2 8QA; where we will collect and store your donations until we transport them to the onward distribution point in Folkestone. As the situation in Ukraine continues to develop, we will keep you informed of the ongoing need for items.
This appeal is likely to result in a huge effort across our county, and will demonstrate the unquestionable compassion we have for those that are suffering the unimaginable horrors of war. We, across The Canterbury Academy Trust and the Kent Association of Headteachers, really are truly grateful for any support you can give, as it will make a huge difference to the lives of everyone that have had their lives changed beyond measure.
Yours sincerely,
Jon Watson
Executive Principal
The Canterbury Academy Trust
Items for donation:
- baby formula (especially hypoallergenic one – huge shortage)
- baby feeding bottles, sterilising equipment (nothing electric – different sockets)
- baby food
- nappies – any sizes
- painkiller medication, especially children’s
- charging banks for mobile phones
- warm socks/gloves/warm hats
- camping mats
- sleeping bags
- protein/energy bars
- anti-flu medication (Lemsips etc)
- wound dressings
- first aid kits
- warm blankets
- thermal/base layers
- hot water bottles
- insulated flasks
- female sanitary products
- any clean soft toys/teddy bears
- a letter/card of hope and support from children and families.