Glaswegians have hit out at the war in Ukraine, with businesses and generous do-gooders all across the city doing their bit to help promote peace.
As Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine rages on, people all over Glasgow have been searching for ways to help conflict victims on the ground.
With the UK Government recently announcing a new route to the UK for those fleeing the Russian invasion, some Glaswegians are preparing to host Ukrainian families in their homes, while others have opted to donate money to charities helping those still left in the country.
But not all of us have the spare rooms or extra funds to support families in need - and it is easy to feel unsure of the best way to help the cause.
Thankfully, organisations all over the city and beyond have come up with creative ways to make a difference- from fundraising concerts to donation drop-offs and auctions.
First Bus, for instance, have today announced that they will be donating all profits from its X31 Hampden Express service running ahead of the Scotland v Poland game at Hampden on Thursday 21 March, to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
The bus operator is encouraging people attending the game on Thursday, which was originally scheduled as a match against Ukraine, to play their part in helping to raise vital funds, by choosing to travel on the Hampden Express to and from the venue.
The amount raised will be matched pound for pound by First Bus before being donated to the DEC.
Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said: “The DEC is working round the clock to help and support people in Ukraine, whose lives have been turned upside down by the Russian invasion.
Meanwhile ITV, STV, Livewire pictures and Global are also joining forces with the DEC to stage a fundraiser concert raising money for the humanitarian appeal in Ukraine on Tuesday 29 March.
Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran and rock band Snow Patrol are among the musical acts announced for the charity event Concert for Ukraine.
The two-hour fundraising event, which is raising money for the humanitarian appeal in Ukraine, will also feature performances by Emeli Sande and Gregory Porter.
Concert for Ukraine will take place live from the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham and viewers watching at home via STV will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening.
Read more: Hillington flat block damaged after fire leaves one needing medical treatment
All sponsorship and advertising revenue generated from the broadcast – estimated to be more than £3 million – will be donated by ITV to the DEC appeal.
Others are putting food on the table in the name of peace. The Glasgow-based UK chicken restaurant chain Black Rooster Peri Peri has launched a fundraising drive for the DEC’s Ukraine appeal.
Cofounder Kevin Bell said: “The conflict in Ukraine has devastated the lives of millions of people and the damage is growing every day. Homes, schools, and hospitals are being destroyed and families are fleeing for their lives, many with literally just the clothes on their backs. Tragically, people have been injured and killed.
He added: “As a business, we couldn’t stand by and watch without trying to do something to help those trying to escape.”
Black Rooster, which began as a sole restaurant in Glasgow’s Duke Street and now has 17 branches across the UK, is donating £1.40 from every meal upgrade sold to sit-in and collection customers until Monday 28 March and the charity initiative aims to raise at least £20,000.
Also in the city, Lebowskis West in Finnieston are serving up a special twist on their classic White Russian cocktail. The blue cocktail topped with a yellow lemon twist will be available through March with all profits going to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
And down the road at the Cranside Kitchen, organisers are laying on a special evening in association with Save the Children, and will send all the profits to Children in Ukraine.
The Tunnel Street venue are hosting a Charity Drag Queen Bingo event where partygoers can paint the town yellow and blue with four fabulous drag queens for a night of glitz, glamour, games and, of course, bingo.
Elsewhere in the city, Frosoulla’s Greek Restaurant has launched a donation drop in service where people can gift items for refugees.
The team said: "Frosoulla's will be open this weekend to accept any donations you can give us for Ukraine refugees. We are all human and we now need to pull together.
"We will keep you updated but we can take anything you can give to send to these people in need… I always say,"walk in another's shoes"… let's do this Battlefield, Shawlands, Newton Mearns, Giffnock, anyone in Glasgow!!!!!! WE HAVE 3 FLOORS, LETS FILL THEM!!"
But it’s not just local restaurants and bars lending a helping hand, other businesses in the city are raising funds in their own creative way.
Glasgow jewellery design company, The Ringmaker, have launched a draw for a beautiful lab-created sapphire ring, with 100 per cent of every donation aiding those fleeing Ukraine.
They said: "With your help we can support ActionAid and the DEC in scaling up their response and help families to stay warm and protect women and girls. - £10 could provide essential hygiene supplies for 1 person for one month - £50 could provide blankets for 4 families to keep them warm - £100 could provide emergency food for 2 families for one month.”
The winner can either collect their prize in person from the Glasgow showroom and enjoy a glass of bubbly with a friend or have the ring posted to them. The last day for making donations is Thursday, March 31 and the prize draw will take place on April 1.
Meanwhile Glasgow the Caring City has recently returned from Poland after volunteers in the city loaded a 40 tonnes lorry with essentials, including blankets and footwear, for the people of Ukraine.
The Glasgow-based charity, which has been responding to humanitarian disasters and war zones across the globe for more than 20 years, returned last week from the border of Poland and Ukraine where they worked alongside local aid groups and coordinators.
The incredible offering comes less than a month after the team launched an emergency fundraising appeal to provide more targeted aid to Ukrainians fleeing their homeland.
Despite the short space of time, they raised an incredible £150,000 of funds with 100 per cent of the money raised now directly helping Ukrainian refugees.
Ross Galbraith, the charity’s crisis resilience manager, is urging Glaswegians not to become apathetic towards Ukraine's fight for freedom.
"It is on our doorstep and impacting not only today but in the weeks and months to come. I urge you; give something today and if you’ve given before, and can afford to do so, please give again," he said.
Ross is asking Glaswegians to consider what comes next after the initial outpourings of kindness.
He said: “The truth is this; we urgently need money to resource and equip our partners to provide critical services to those in desperate need. I met women and children with obvious mental and physical wounds who needed help. So please do not let this crisis slip from your mind.”
