Ukrainian refugees arriving in Wales are relying on volunteers to provide them with clothes, toiletries and free advice. Clothes banks are popping up as refugees face a stalled housing sponsorship scheme meaning hundreds remain in hotels across the country.
During the pandemic Newport was home to the most remarkable donation effort after Kamila Jarczak and Gosia Sliwinska shared pleas on social media and through the press. Organised through Kamila’s group Women of Newport, they formed a team of five permanent volunteers and filled six emergency donation hubs at Rodney Parade, Friars Walk shopping centre, Newport Docks and the Westgate Hotel among others.
“We were completely stunned by the response,” Kamila said. “We even had more than 100 volunteers at the Westgate, I couldn’t remember everyone’s names. I’ve met so many lovely and wonderful friends through this - some who will be friends for life.”
