How to help Isle of Wight's Ukraine aid effort

On the Island, aid continues to be managed by East Cowes-based charity MAD-Aid which, until Russia's invasion of its neighbour, was supporting people with disabilities in Moldova.

Now, the charity's teams are distributing supplies across Moldova, helping support the tens of thousands of refugees who have poured over its border with Ukraine.

Many of those who have left everything behind want to stay close, because they speak the same language and are near homes. Others have even managed to return.

Some are now on the Isle of Wight and for them, MAD-Aid is running a pop-up boutique.

Its aim is to give refugees with nothing the chance to stock up on the basics - like a change of clothes for them and their children.

It is a constantly evolving situation and, as the cost of living crisis bites in the UK, donations have slowed.

MAD-Aid says stocks of non-perishable food (to help prepare for winter), sanitary products and white goods, like kettles and microwaves, to help kit out refugee centres, are all needed.

Young volunteers from the Isle of Wight College send a now replaced County Press desk to its new home.

There are still donation points across the Island, including at MAD-Aid's home in East Cowes and at the Isle of Wight County Press office in Newport's Pyle Street (during office hours).

MAD-Aid has sent 17 lorries to Moldova - of which around 13 have been from the Isle of Wight.

Yesterday (Wednesday), another one was been filled and is heading to Europe, as efforts redouble to send much-needed support.

Young volunteers from the Isle of Wight College send a now replaced County Press desk to its new home.

CP community content editor Kate Young’s horsebox has been integral to moving goods from all corners of the Island to Mad-AID’s headquarters, thanks to the efforts of her husband Hugh Couch and brother Mark Young.