We team up with local school to send aid to Ukraine  

Residents have donated mother and baby supplies to be taken to stricken families in Ukraine

We decided to get involved in the relief efforts within days of the invasion of Ukraine.

Residents including Pat Hills, Jill Kember and Freda Cruickshank donated money which was used by staff to buy baby supplies such as nappies and female sanitaryware.

Staff also operated a fundraising ‘sweetie trolley’ to add to the funds.

Staff then took the supplies to The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester, which is working with the Bournemouth-based food store, Food Plus in Boscombe to take the much-needed aid into the stricken country.

Our Colten Companion, Katya Williams, explained: “As soon as the invasion of Ukraine happened, our residents said they wanted to help the people there in any way they could. They knew women with babies would be finding it very hard to access supplies and so they decided all their donations would be used to buy goods around their particular needs.

“In no time at all we had amassed a large supply of nappies, nappy cream, baby wipes, etc. We then learned that Gary Spracklen, the fantastic headteacher of The Prince of Wales School had opened a collection point at the school and we were able to go along and hand over our own supplies, knowing they would get to the Ukraine and the people who need it.”

Residents Freda and Jill accompanied Katya to the school for the handover.

Freda said: “It makes us so grateful to be able to help the people of Ukraine in some way and we are also very grateful to Gary and his wonderful school who are working so hard to make sure the aid gets through.”

Gary Spracklen said: “It was very special to receive a donation from the residents at Castle View. Speaking with them further confirmed to me the strength of feeling felt across our whole community and the desire from all, no matter what their age, background or religion, to stand with Ukraine. The items donated will go to those most in need and further strengthen our resolve at this time.”