Is sending lorry loads of clothes etc to Ukraine the right thing to do? Or is money to charities working on the ground always better?

[YforWanky]

Just curious, I know a lot of people are queueing with donations of clothes and toys and nappies etc and I understand the wish to help. But I remember seeing an article about donations to a disaster zone and how they'd been sent useless stuff like inappropriate clothing for the season, and out of date silicone breast implants and it basically created a massive problem. But then I can see how people fleeing with nothing will of course need clothing and bedding!

So as title really - what is the right way to support the people of Ukraine?

Money.

Then the organisations can spend it in whatever the current priorities are.

Exception - when there is a specific appeal for particular items, that organisations want and are able to receive, handle and distribute.

Talking to people from a region which could be next, and which is currently taking in refugees: although poor, surrounding countries have food clothes toiletries which they are offering.
Donate directly to the 🇺🇦 Ukrainian army.
National Bank of Ukraine have accounts set up.

To note I say so after asking doctors from the close region, I was initially looking for charities dealing with medical supplies.
The answer was as above- money for the army.
Situation is so desperate that doctors think medical supplies are less urgent than money for the army.

You might be interested in this thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/in_the_news/4490086-Which-charities-are-the-best-for-supporting-Ukraine

I note the comments about those requesting support for military resistance, but displaced people need help too

(Apologies for spamming obviously things getting very desperate - see reports wrt thermobaric weapons in the Guardian, there is no need for medical supplies after those.)

Money to the genuine charities is always the best way.

I want to send money but don’t know where to. I don’t trust the big charities with their huge running and staff costs.

The reports of Russia moving up thermobaric weapons have been around for several days now - Putin will believe he has to win, and will apply more force if that is what the Russian military believe is needed.

But I think that medical supplies will still be needed. If close to the blast then you're a goner, but people further away will also be injured

It's a bit like how bomb blast curtains are useless if one detonates directly by your window, but could save you if it's from down the street

www.defendukraine.org/donate

This is what I would recommend (various Ukraine orgs not just army), please research it.

UNICEF or Red Cross.

Thanks all, this is what I thought, that money is always the best donation.

Red Cross for me

I have donated to the British Red Cross Ukraine fund.

I do not think sending a load of grubby second hand clothes will be particularly welcome and would think people should donate money (or useful things like medication, NEW underwear and sanitary protection).

Yes and seeing people ask for donations of baby formula is worrying too. Of course babies need to be fed but the formula should be bought locally so it's labelled in a local language for a start! And it's not an appropriate donation unless there is a sufficient supply of clean water and fuel for making and sterilising bottles. I just worry that well meaning people are creating a huge problem

Bless your ❤️, JKR- www.wearelumos.org/get-involved/ukraine-appeal/

What’s the alternative to emergency formula though? Letting babies starve?

@Grinling

UNICEF or Red Cross.

UNICEF take load for admin etc. I won’t donate to them.

Doesn’t it come ready mixed in sachets these days?

I know someone who’s involved with bearr.org/. She says money given to them goes straight to NGOs / charities in Ukraine & Moldova & that all the BEARR staff are volunteers, so they don’t take any for admin.

Locally to me Ukranians and Polish people are leading a collection for items (they are specifically asking for no clothing) and hope to be taking hgv trucks full of stuff over there on Friday.

@Cheekypeach

What’s the alternative to emergency formula though? Letting babies starve?

I'm not saying baby formula shouldn't be given out, because it's obviously needed in some situations. But actual aid agencies who have proper guidelines and knowledge of the local language and water situation etc should be in charge of that, not inexperienced people with a lorry load of random donations from the UK. If the water or equipments aren't clean, or the person preparing the milk can't understand the instructions because they're in a language they can't read, then formula poses huge risks of its own. Aid agencies like UNICEF have policies on this and make sure it's distributed in an appropriate and safe way!

Anyway that was just an aside. I feel like I've got an answer, which is that money to organisations working on the ground is a much better way to donate then sending "stuff" to be handed out whether it's appropriate or not.

Are you following what the charities involved are saying about it? If you do there are answers to all of your questions. I have seen every point that is being raised on this thread being addressed by charities today. If you just want to moan that's fine but if you actually want to help then check out the charities involved, they have the answers to everything that you are asking.

Our local efforts have a list of needed items to take to the polish centre. I've done a huge bulk order of sanitary products that I'm going to take.

@YforWanky Ukrainian people aren’t idiots, if they’ve been formula feeding they will know bottles need to be made up with boiling water, sterilised bottles etc. As for the instructions, many of them speak good English, or would be able to look up the instructions on their mobiles.

I’m co-ordinating my local area’s donations, I’ve prioritised first aid kits, sanitary products, quality winter clothing for children & canned food.