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
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