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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Andrea Lambrou

Polish-Lanarkshire priest launches church aid drive for Ukranian refugees fleeing war to his homeland

A Polish East Kilbride parish priest is coordinating an aid collection for Ukranian refugees fleeing war to his homeland.

Father Rafal Sobieszuk of St Bride's Church is appealing for emergency supplies to support 400,000 Ukranians who have escaped Russia's invasion to Eastern Poland.

Religious figures across the town are lending their support with Fr Dominic Quinn offering up St Leonard's Church hall as the drop-off point.

Our Lady of Lourdes parish priest Fr Frank Dougan, Fr Romanus Enyinnia of St Vincent De Paul's and Rev Anne Paton at East Kilbride Old Parish Church are also helping with the drive.

Fr Sobieszuk, who has been living in Scotland for the last eight years, said: "I was born in Eastern Poland. Following the news about war in Ukraine I decided to start a collection of items for Ukranian refugees who escaped to Eastern Poland.

"At the moment there are about 400,000 Ukranian refugees in Poland - mainly women, children and the elderly. My aim is to collect goods and send them loaded on a lorry to Eastern Poland to Siedlce.

Destruction in Sumy (SUBMITTED/ AYRSHIRE POST)

"I know personally people who are leaders of a Catholic charity called 'Caritas Siedlce' and I am in touch with them."

Thanking his fellow ministers for being involved, Fr Sobieszuk said he plans to finish the collection by Monday, March 14.

He added: "This depends on the response of our local community."

Caritas Siedlce have asked for the following items: non perishable/long life food or tins, medications and toiletries, unused blankets, sleeping bags, clothes, bed sets, sheets and pillows, small multipack bottles of water, sweets and biscuits.

Donated items can be taken to St Leonards Church hall, Brancumhall Road, East Kilbride, G74 3YA.

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