Andrew Mitchell MP, has visited the collection point at Sutton Coldfield RFC in Walmley which has been co-ordinated by Joanna Fletcher. He has seen firsthand the generosity of our Royal Town community.

Andrew said:

“Over the last two weeks we have seen an extraordinary collective effort of the Sutton Coldfield community.

“Collections have been pouring into the Sutton Coldfield RFC from so many including Sutton Coldfield Scouts and local businesses such as WAA Chosen and Sidley Piper Homes Birmingham MET College, Sutton Coldfield Campus, King Edwards Lichfield and Solihull School.

“This inspiring collection has seen food, medicine, nappies, personal hygiene items and specialised outdoor equipment for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and those who are still stranded in Ukraine.

“Every item was packed and segregated by adults and children who were very keen to do something that could help others in need.”

Joanna Fletcher, who has co-ordinated the collection said,

“We are now sending 24 tonnes of donations with a dedicated transport to the branch of the Polish Red Cross in Rzeszow. From there everything will be sent to the Red Cross in Lviv, a city in Ukraine where volunteer drivers will deliver goods to everyone in desperate need. Nothing will be wasted.

“Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this great effort. Hopefully our energy, love and compassion will be able to ease the suffering, even in some small way, to the war victims in Ukraine.”

Andrew added:

“The Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal (the DEC) has been heavily supported by people living in Sutton Coldfield and remains, in my view, one of the most effective conduits for urgently needed humanitarian relief.”

Photo: Joanna Fletcher, Andrew Mitchell MP and Johanna Medlicott whose company has also donated a generous financial contribution towards Ukrainian humanitarian aid