Frontline support for those in need
A Wishaw businessman has teamed up with volunteers from the town to provide vital aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Big-hear ted Tom McAvoy, from ADP Aluminium, decided to help out after watching the harrowing television footage following Russia’s invasion.
And help was at hand thanks to volunteers Kasia Zadorozna and Karolina Wiencek.
Speaking to the Wishaw Press this week, 63-year-old Tom said: “Watching the T V and seeing the pictures, I knew we had to do something. Three or four of our workers are from Poland and speaking to them we came up with the idea of sponsoring Ukrainian families to come here.
“That was not possible but after speaking to other business colleagues we came up with the idea of putting families up in accommodation in Poland.
“We have managed to source a few apartments and we have our first family moving in.
“Now we are trying to get new apartments and get them jobs over there.
“I met Kasia, who was looking for somewhere to store items that had been donated, so we were able to give them a couple of containers.
“We then sponsored a van to take supplies over there.”
In total, Tom and his colleagues have paid £12,000 to help Ukrainian refugees put a roof over their heads.
As well as apartments and supplies, the team also arranged a fun day for child refugees.
Tom explained: “Our contacts over in Poland suggested taking the kids away for the day so we decided to sponsor it.
“Looking at the pictures they seemed to have a great time.
“We’ve also managed to get various essential products straight to the border such as torches and batteries.”
Those wishing to donate the Ukrainian refugee cause can hand items into the containers, based at ADP’s base in Smith Avenue, Gowkthrapple.
Kasia added: “We started the collection but the support we have had from Tom and his company has been incredible.
“We had transport which left last week with supplies going to a field hospital.
“When the van left we had over one tonne of supplies so next time we are hoping that will be
even bigger.”