The MAYOR of Bournemouth has visited the group behind an overwhelming number of donations sent to Ukraine.
Councillor David Kelsey, the Mayor of Bournemouth, visited the Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine group at the Castlepoint warehouse on Friday, following another busy week for the project.
The Mayor took time to thank organisers Karol Swiacki and his wife Daria Swiacka, as well as volunteers and Castlepoint staff.
He said: “I am absolutely gobsmacked by the turnout here and what Karol has done. For someone to do that off their own back, it makes me want to cry.
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“It’s amazing how everyone has come together- the people of Bournemouth have been fantastic.
“It’s so inspiring.”
Councillor David Kelsey also shared an emotional exchange with two Ukrainians who fled the war-torn country before arriving in Bournemouth on March 22.
The pair expressed their gratitude to the group, who have offered them a support network during such a difficult time.
Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine was formed by Karol and his wife Daria in February to appeal for donations for Ukraine.
They recruited the help of friend Daniel Sulimierski, who became transport manager for the group, and hundreds of volunteers who swarmed the Castlepoint warehouse to help organise donations.
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The group has now sent approximately 600 tonnes of donations to Ukraine.
Addressing the whole group on Friday, councillor David Kelsey said: “You’re all doing an absolutely amazing job.
“You should be so proud of yourselves.”
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