A Polish social club in Balham has been flooded with donations for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, and is appealing for volunteers to help sort and transport them.
The White Eagle Club saw queues round the block as individuals sought to donate clothing, toiletries and other supplies, which will be sent to Poland for refugees there.
The news comes as Russia continues to launch heavy air strikes across the country and more than one million Ukrainians have fled the country.
Kate Frovola, 26, the club’s communications manager, said: “It’s an initiative organised by Polish clubs, so it’s the Polish community that started it, and now it’s grown to a much wider initiative where a lot of people are getting involved locally.
“It’s amazing to see how its growing and it’s growing very fast. We’re very humbled by the support that we’re getting and its incredible to see the community unite.”
Drivers with vans or trucks are wanted to drive donations from Balham to a warehouse in Croydon where they’re being stored.
Jane Lyde, a balloon company owner, heard about the initiative from a neighbourhood WhatsApp group.
She said: “I was listening to the radio and I got really upset hearing about what was happening in Ukraine. Someone said they’re looking for volunteers so I came down.
“The community spirit is overwhelming. Everyone is here working for the same thing, it’s wonderful.”
Jackie, a retired P.E teacher from Croydon, added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be here.
“When you watch what’s happening on television and how it’s unfolding over there, we have and they don’t. That’s why I’m here.”
Parker Henpel, 21, a Kings College London student, heard about the donation point via social media.
He said: “I’ve gone to protests and donated, but I wanted to actually feel like I’m doing something.”
The United High Commissioner for Refugees has reported that people fleeing Ukraine to Poland have to queue for miles, some waiting for up to 60 hours in freezing temperatures.
The White Eagle Club Facebook page posts regularly which supplies and volunteers are required.
To volunteer at the White Eagle Club visit 211 Balham High Road, London SW17 7BQ.
Volunteers are welcome Monday to Saturday 9am-9pm and Sundays 10am-5pm.
Join the discussion
Hello, I would to volunteer at the venue and help with whatever is needed.
I have been trying to call and I have not been successful. Can anyone point me in the right direction? My contact number is 07976619612
hi there
I’ve taken some time out from work – I am a civil engineer and would like to support with driving as part of a team to transport to the border – if you could pass my contact details on to anyone please do so
I want to help but don’t have the van! Happy to drive and help any way I can. Please someone get in touch
Hi. I’m a Fire Fighter from Berkshire. Would love to help with anything. Sorting. Driving to the border. I’ve got clearance from work. I don’t have a van but have a full licence and clean. Please take my number 07768 936 000
Thanks for all your efforts.
Jay
Hi there,
I have been organising donations with my work to drop at the centre on Friday 11th March. Old ski jackets and thermals and nappies etc. I will bring Friday afternoon and create an inventory of what is in each bag for less work for the volunteers at the centre.
My work is near Bank if anyone had a van to collect the donations if not I shall bring them via taxi to Balham after 12pm.
Please let me know if there might be a driver to collect via my email or LinkedIn.
Felicity
Hi I’ve got a van I don’t mind driving to Poland
Hi , I want to help transport donations to Poland , I have a Mercedes luton van ,I will cover all the costs of the trip ,is it possible to join your daily convoy to Poland. my number 07557426851
Hi everyone, I’m Robert, I’ve got a van and i don’t mind driving to Poland.
Going to polish Club in SW12 today, to help out and get more information.
If anyone fancy going in a convoy, then we should all meet up.
all the best Robert. 07956807276.
I’d like to help. Di you need a driver to transport materials from UK to Poland
Hi I have a transit van and i’m willing to drive goods out to Poland, I’m even prepared to hire a trailer to connect to the van and will pay for my own petrol, traveling expenses etc
I can help drive a van over if anyone needs
I would like to volunteer to drive items to the Ukraine/Polish border. I am qualified to drive vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats and hqve over 40 years driving experience and a clean licence. I would like to transport goods out and bring refugees back. I have good availability to help
Are volunteers still required
If you need a driver to take the goods to the Ukrain I’m available
Yes, after our MP, Rosena Allin-Khan, told me about the place, I’ve spent some hours there and completely agree with Jackie that it’s a privilege to be able to help out. There’s a great crowd and an energising atmosphere, with all nationalities, races and backgrounds united in a desperately need cause. There’s something to do for everyone – from unpacking, sorting and labelling, to acting as a human conveyor belt to get bags and boxes from the back of the hall into the vans – just call in and see what needs doing.
Back at home you can help by lobbying recalcitrant companies like Coca-Cola that are still selling in Russia, urging Seychelles and Maldives not to give safe haven to Russian oligarchs’ yachts, countering the lies of Russian trolls online, giving financial support to aid organisations and media like the excellent Kyiv Independent, and asking UK’s railfreight operators to provide a train to take humanitarian aid to Poland for the refugees (NB the refugees are not just Ukrainian – Indian and African students fleeing the invasion have been having a really hard time of it).
Wonderful that people are helping with this. Best wishes to everyone.