People buying for donations to Ukraine

[Cloudyvintage]

So it's apparent that the UK public have apparently (out of kindness) been out buying baby milk, nappies etc to be sent off to Ukraine. This is very thoughtful, however, it has meant that there has now a shortage on the shelves in the supermarkets leaving some parents struggling to find milk for their baby as its sold out.

There is so much in the media where it is clearly stated that many donations are not getting through customs and that its cash they need so that they can organise propper Aid in bulk where its needed.

I'm not saying we shouldn't donate items, especially if you have the items spare or can't give money then fine, but it seems so much is getting stuck in Dover or other EU borders on route. Surley monetary donations are better than buying goods at our UK inflated price to then send over.

Another example, a lot of items collected has been dumped at a 'collection site', but it's then never been collected (presumably due to too many dontaions) so it's just sat there going to waste.

I'm in a position where somone is collecting items and I feel obliged to donate but I'd have to go out and buy items to donate, I have also made monetary donations and will continue to do so.

There is at least one lorry going to Poland from an island off the coast of Scotland. All the goods will have been shipped from the mainland to the island to stock their small shops. Now being taken off the island and across Europe. Utter madness.

Our local Sainsburys was nearly out of nappies at the weekend, people were being very open about them going to Ukraine collections, proudly telling the staff, who were struggling to keep stocks for local parents.

I have refused to donate to any collections of goods but have donated money.

Someone on here pointed out that not only can good be purchased cheaper locally. Charities can avoid paying VAT on goods.

So cold hard cash and they can bulk buy cheaper from manufacturers than what people can buy in the UK.

I think it is Antsin.In the local supermarket today and two bare shelves but for three cartons left of ready made milk.Last week full as usual.

@FourChimneys

There is at least one lorry going to Poland from an island off the coast of Scotland. All the goods will have been shipped from the mainland to the island to stock their small shops. Now being taken off the island and across Europe. Utter madness.

Our local Sainsburys was nearly out of nappies at the weekend, people were being very open about them going to Ukraine collections, proudly telling the staff, who were struggling to keep stocks for local parents.

I have refused to donate to any collections of goods but have donated money.

Oh this does make me sad, there must people people on that Island who are in need of those items. All that extra money spent on the freight and resale could have been put in cash to an organisation who can ensure it goes where its needed.

One of my colleagues collected some donations - including boxes of quality street. Seems silly to me I don't think chocolate is what they need over there somehow. I wish they pushed harder to donate cash instead as sounds like it would be much more useful

Donating baby milk is NOT advised.
See [[http://www.babymilkaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/joint-statement_IYCFe_Ukraine_March082022_V1_eng.pdf Joint Statement
Protecting Maternal and Child Nutrition in the
Ukraine Conflict and Refugee Crisis]]

@Antsinmypantsneedtodance

All this collection rubbish angers me.

People are doing it to make themselves feel better. So called organisations are popping up left right and centre claiming to have contacts on the front line with lists. I expect 90 percent of these donations will have to be disposed of.

Money helps. Tat doesn't.

And don't even get me started on the utter stupidity of donating formula milk at times like these! It's dangerous and unhelpful. Donate it to UK organisations if you must and give money you used to.vuy the formula to charities who can distribute it appropriately and safely!

Also worrying all this demand donation is impacting local supplies.

Absolutely disagree with you…tat is not being donated unless you are speaking about yourself!> Poland does not have the medical supplies and are relying on medical donations..educate yourself!

Which milk and nappies can you not get?

We've donated £1k to the Red Cross which I think is more practical but my sons both had lists from school of wanted items (mostly personal healthcare stuff and batteries, not baby formula) so we sent those items in. I think just guessing what could be useful isn't so helpful - ask the main charities.

theconversation.com/ukraine-crisis-why-you-should-donate-money-rather-than-supplies-178245

I have donated money to charities that are already in neighbouring countries working with refugees. Unicef, Save the Children, Red Cross and the Salvation Army are all there.

I have only donated money too. A bit different if there is genuinely a shortage like medical supplies out there. Surely better for other countries in mainland Europe to do that though.

I have just seen that Sainbury's will match the money value of any Nectar points you donate too so as mine have been sitting around doing nothing for a long time I will do that too.

Poland does not have the medical supplies and are relying on medical donations..educate yourself! - then people should donate to recognised charities who can purchase those supplies in bulk and who have the infrastructure to organise distribution to where they are needed. Random vans arriving in Poland or Romania stocked with headache pills and plasters when what is needed is antibiotics and catheters is not helping.

@ouch44

I have only donated money too. A bit different if there is genuinely a shortage like medical supplies out there. Surely better for other countries in mainland Europe to do that though.

I have just seen that Sainbury's will match the money value of any Nectar points you donate too so as mine have been sitting around doing nothing for a long time I will do that too.

I did not know this, I too will donate. Thank you

Items are much cheaper to buy in Poland, and there's no issues around customs or transport costs.

Sending cold hard cash to the DEC or Red Cross is much more effective than going to Tesco, buying a pack of Pampers and trying to send it to Eastern Europe.

Friends of mine have said they have had difficulty getting formula milk, nappies etc this last week.

Im really tired of seeing people comment in local fb groups "Ive got bags of clothes to donate for Ukraine, where can I take them??" Arghhh donate them locally!

waffle I work in a charity shop and last week someone bought in a bag of clothes, she told me she wanted to send them to Ukraine but no one would accept them - no surprise- filthy, ripped jackets and used socks - they went straight into the recycling bin. At least have the decency to buy a couple of packs of new socks. And now the charity shop has the difficulty and expense of organising the 'recycling'. (The market for recycling rag has really plummeted).