The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked what the UN has described as the fastest-growing exodus of its kind in Europe since World War Two. The figures alone drive home the severity of a crisis that is only likely to worsen if the military conflict continues, with more than three million people having fled to Poland and other neighbouring territories since Vladimir Putin gave the order for troops to advance.
In the weeks since the invasion began on February 24, countless individuals in the UK have answered the call to help displaced Ukrainians. Donation centres have sprung up across the country, finding themselves inundated with everything refugees could require and much more besides - so much so that in some cases centres have called a halt to collections as organisers face the challenge of getting essential items to the front line.
In Hull, a small army of volunteers and charity workers have been handling donations from the public and businesses across the city. A drop-off centre has opened inside a former Staples store, with supplies of toiletries, medical equipment, blankets, children's clothing and sturdy boots being sorted and placed in ever-growing mini-mountains of cardboard boxes.
