THE Mid Corwnall group Support Ukraine says it had a very successful day on Saturday (March 5), both with a gathering to show solidarity with the people of that country currently facing invasion and bombardment by Russian forces and with collecting supplies to help refugees fleeing the catastrophe.

The gathering took place at St Austell’s Holy Trinity Parish Church, with many of the group’s supporters and volunteers and the local Ukrainian community showed up in force.

A spokesperson said: “There were brief speeches and lots of people were wearing the Ukrainian national colours of blue and yellow as positive reinforcement for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

“£495 was raised for the Red Cross Ukraine Fund, and a huge amount of medical supplies have been accumulated since Wednesday. Support Ukraine has gathered many new volunteers who were swiftly put to work moving all the donations from the Church to a space kindly donated by White River to sort and box all the supplies ready to send to Ukraine in the next few days.”

In addition, other plans were unveiled for future fundraising efforts, said Chris Gardner of Support Ukraine. Many artists from all over Cornwall are donating paintings, sculptures and crafts to be sold in aid of the Red Cross Ukraine Fund out of a pop-up shop in St Austell due to open later this month.

Chris said: “They have also set up an email address for those people wishing to offer a room or more for refugee mothers and children, to bring them into our homes and show them our love. If and when the time comes we will hand our database to Cornwall Council - email to [email protected]”

He added: “This is just the beginning, if you want to join us, go to our facebook group Supporting Ukraine.

“We will need more donations and more volunteers this is an ongoing battle to support the people of Ukraine.”