WHAT started as a small collection around an office for donations to the Ukraine turned into a big operation.

It all started when Absolutely Offices in Basingstoke sent an email around to our clients at the Business Hub informing them that the team were collecting for the Ukrainian appeal and there would be a collection point in reception for any of the required items. 

Three days later, the business had an office full of supplies for the Ukraine which have been labelled and checked by the Ukrainian Embassy.   

Using the existing infrastructure and experienced personnel, the company was able to quickly turn into a distribution hub, packing and labelling in Ukrainian and English over 300 parcels  and donating over £2,000 for the cost of the first lorry. Donations left for Ukraine in a lorry convoy together with six  fully-kitted out ambulances which had been fully funded by individuals. 

The company soon had too many donations for the office but was offered an empty warehouse, so continued to accept and pack more items. More than 3,000 boxes were collected and loaded directly into a very large articulated lorry and were in Poland within four days of leaving.

Part of Jameson House is now being redeveloped from a Vaccine centre to a sorting and distribution centre for supplies to the Ukraine.  The company is now raising money for the next lorry to Ukraine and hosting a number of events such as tabletop and car boot sales to help us reach our target. 

Cash donations or any of the following can be dropped off in Grove House reception between 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.

All in date medicine/medical supplies 

Over the counter medicine/herbal remedies to help with sleep and anxiety 

Dettol/disinfectant (including wipes) 

Water purification tablets 

New socks 

New underwear, including new bras and nursing bras 

Good quality water resistant winter coats 

New winter gloves 

New thermal wear 

Sleeping bags 

Sleeping camping mats 

Winter blankets (new or freshly cleaned) 

Thermos flasks 

Torches & Batteries 

Heat patches (e.g. Hot Hands) 

Dried and tinned food/non perishable food including snacks and gluten free food 

Baby formula (especially newborn 0-3 months) 

Sanitary towels, tampons and adult sanitary products 

Wet wipes 

Adult nappies 

Infant food 

Nappies – all sizes 

Clean children’s clothes 

Pillows – new only 

Duvets – new only 

Power banks (please provide fully charged if possible and label “CHARGED”) 

New small toys e.g. colouring books, crayons, felt tips, small packs of lego.  No battery/electrical operated toys and picture books only 

Pet food 

Tape (to fix up shattered windows and for packaging goods) 

Adaptors for EU sockets