Rotary Warm Clothing for Ukraine Campaign

As news of the Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy and utilities infrastructure, with its devastating impact on domestic heating and lighting, not to mention industry, was broadcast, our Rotary district initiated a short, sharp campaign to collect warm clothing to be sent out for distribution by our fellow Rotarians in that country to those already experiencing sub-zero winter temperatures. 

I’m delighted to record that when, with the help of my wife, Anne, the clothing donated by Croydon Rotary Club members was sorted, we had four bags of winter coats, jumpers, gilets, socks and hats to deliver to one of the three District stores. These were situated in Staines, North Warnborough and Horsham. The documentation which accompanied details of these stores glibly stated that this meant that no one would have a drive of more than an hour to access one of these facilities. This was indeed true. Our journey was calculated by TomTom as being 58 minutes! Given that, we decided to combine our journey to the store with a visit to Nymans, a National Trust property near Handcross and, marginally, on the route home. The house had been decorated, magically, throughout, with each room contributing to the Beatrix Potter exhibition being mounted for Christmas. We can recommend a visit. 

So, I’m pleased to report that our club’s warm clothing donation was delivered to the District lock-up store on Sunday, November 27, one of the wettest days this autumn, but nothing like as dispiriting as conditions in Ukraine this winter! 

Thank you to all who donated. 

We know that your gifts will be appreciated, not only as a result of the physical warmth they will give, but also from the warmth that comes from our Ukrainian fellows knowing that they are supported by us and the other Rotary clubs that have been involved in this campaign. 

Richard and Anne Ford