Council opens donation centre for humanitarian aid to Ukraine in Carterton

8th March 2022

West Oxfordshire District Council is opening a donation centre in Carterton to enable residents to bring supplies to support the people of Ukraine affected by the conflict. 

The Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, Councillor Michele Mead, said; “Many of the people affected by the conflict in Ukraine have fled their homes with a single suitcase. In response to the crisis, and to assist those seeking refuge, we have made space available to store crucial supplies.”

“There is a list of items that are needed and we will be working with partners including GLL who manage the leisure centres for the council, to ensure these supplies get to those who need them.”

“In West Oxfordshire residents have shown their compassion as they have supported each other through the pandemic. I am sure we will once again show compassion as we support refugees fleeing Ukraine.”

Residents who want to make donations of supplies can do so at Carterton Leisure Centre in Broadshires Way. A dedicated area in the centre has been set up for donations to be dropped off with staff on hand to support. 

The following items are in urgent need to support refugees - 

-        Dried food (Long-life items only)

-        Bottled Water (unopened)

-        First Aid Supplies (unopened)

-        Toiletries & Sanitary Items (unopened)

-        Warm Clothes & Underwear

-        Sleeping Bags (No duvets or pillows)

-        Children’s toys

People are urged to only bring items which appear on this list as these have been deemed as ‘much needed’ by organisations on the ground in the Ukraine. 

The collection point at the Carterton Leisure Centre opens tomorrow (Wednesday 9th March) and members of the public can follow the signage on site to drop off items which will be distributed to organisations on the ground in Ukraine, helping to deliver aid where needed. The leisure centre is open from 6am to 10pm Monday - Friday and 7am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Councillor Martin McBride, Chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council added “We’re expecting schools across the district to drop off items that students and their families are donating to the appeal.  

“We’re hoping residents bring along much needed items and we will distribute them accordingly to those people in need.”

If residents are unable to donate items, they can still donate to the National Disaster Emergency Committee appeal at www.dec.org.uk. They will distribute funds raised to a number of large charities supporting the people of Ukraine.

ENDS