A charity is stepping up its support for Ukraine as it prepares for another difficult winter.
Lymington-based group New Forest for Ukraine (NFFU), with support of people in Romsey, has launched its winter campaign, focusing on delivering seasonal aid and critical supplies to families in need.
The campaign includes sending Christmas parcels and essential winter items such as soup, soap, generators, portable stoves and trench candles.
Romsey Ukraine Support Group volunteer with completed Trench Candles ready for despatch.(Image: Romsey Ukraine Support Group)
Mandy Haynes, lead trustee at NFFU, said: “As winter draws near, sadly, strikes on Ukraine are intensifying.
“This unrelenting pressure is forcing people from their homes, often with only their papers and what they can carry.
“People fleeing the fighting can use a can of soup as a base for a family meal, padding it out with local vegetables.
“Giving them soap, something to wash with when they have nothing, gives them back some pride and hygiene.
“Small things can make all the difference.”
The charity is also collecting donations to purchase generators and portable stoves, as much of Ukraine’s power infrastructure has been damaged, leaving families without reliable heating, electricity or water.
NFFU has already sent 610 generators to Ukraine and aims to increase that number to 650 by the end of 2025.
The campaign is divided into four main appeals: Christmas parcels for children and families, generators and camping stoves, donations to transport costs, and donations of soup tins and soap.
Mandy said: “A new generator costs around £300 to purchase and get to Ukraine, so any donations toward this are useful but with a bar of soap and a tin of soup available for under £1, every pound can make a real difference to someone.”
Trench candles, which can provide heat, light, and a means to warm food, are also being sent to Ukraine.
Romsey Ukraine Support Group’s Roland prepares trench candles.(Image: Romsey Ukraine Support Group)
These candles are being made by the Romsey Ukraine Support Group in a project supported by NFFU.
Roland Matthews of the Romsey group said: “19th of October is our next event.
“We plan to produce at least 400 with around 50 people to help during the day.”
The first workshop will take place at the 10th Romsey Scout Hut in Braishfield Road from 11.30am to 3.30pm.
To donate or find a drop-off location, visit New Forest for Ukraine website.
Donations can also be made by texting NFFU5 to 70255 to give £5, or NFFU10 to 70255 to give £10.