After a week of hard work and effort by the entire Polish-Jersey community, the first three trucks of humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees has left for the borders of Poland and Ukraine.
Islanders have been busy collecting, donating, sorting, packing and transporting the tonnes of supplies after a call to action by Honorary Consul of Poland in the Channel Islands, Magda Chmielewska. at the start of the crisis.
Co-ordinating hundreds of people and hundreds of tonnes of supplies has been no easy task; thankfully the rallying cry for help was heard by so many islanders and a successful operation resulted in over ten thousand bags of essential supplies being sent to Ukrainian refugees.
The Honorary Consul of Poland in the Channel Islands, Magda Chmieleswka, said: “It has been ten years this year, since I took the position of honorary consul for Poland and my main objective has always been to build bridges within the community. I am so overwhelmed by the response from islanders this week.
“My aim to build bridges has never seemed so fulfilled – as the whole island showed-up to stand with Ukraine. It is indeed so sad that the exemplary show of community has come to light following the actual burning of bridges and buildings in Ukraine, but we can safely say that this support has meant to world those refugees who can see and feel our care.
“Overseas Aid Jersey will be connecting with Caritas in Poland for the supplies to be distributed; some will hopefully reach people in war-torn Ukraine too. The coordination has not ended and there is much still to be done.
“This experience has been utterly humbling and I send huge thanks to everyone in Jersey who lent a hand with the mammoth operation – what an incredible display of community and camaraderie.”
There is a lot more news to come from the group, but in the meantime, the organisers ask that no more donations be sent. Anyone wanting to help can donate via the bailiff’s Appeal here.
The main image shows Simon Boas from Overseas Aid Jersey, Honorary Consul of Poland in the Channel Islands, Magda Chmielewska and Chief Minister, John Le Fondre.
