Kate Scott, landlady of The Railway in Newport, describes the mood in Poland as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee Ukraine.
Kate had decided to travel to Lodz in Poland with her husband, Duncan, for a family visit. Then war broke out in neighbouring Ukraine when Putin decided to invade.
Instead of spending her time relaxing with friends and relatives, Kate (Polish name Katarzyna) has spent her holiday helping with the relief efforts for Ukrainian refugees in churches and orphanages in her home city.
Kate is a good friend of Sarah Stoker, founder of the Facebook page Isle of Wight Community Help for Ukraine. She has provided some useful advice for the group on what is needed to help Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees.
Island Echo asked Kate how many Ukrainians had fled to Poland, what Poles think about the situation on their eastern border, and what people on the Isle of Wight can do to help.
Kate said:
“Currently, Poland has accepted over 670 000 Ukrainian refugees, who are terrified and very grateful for any help. Poland expects this number to go up to 5 million.
“Most of the refugees are women and children; men and (and some women) are staying in Ukraine to fight! Lots of children have been sent here without their parents.
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“Orphanages, animal shelters and hospital patients have all been transported to Poland. Most Poles strongly support the refugees, and officials have stepped up and are doing their bit. Plans are being made about how to help refugees to adapt to new places, schools, jobs and so on.
“The Polish nation knows history well. Therefore, everyone is worried but believes that Putin must be stopped at any price.
“As for what the Isle of Wight can do, we need to keep donating as more and more people flee Ukraine. Currently, the most important item is warm clothing, as temperatures here are below zero.
“Lorries are going to Ukraine with warm and bullet proof clothing for fighters, which is desperately needed.
“It’s important we all understand that this conflict involves us all. Keep on doing the great job islanders. It’s going to be a long process.”
Our thoughts are with you all. God bless.
Well done Kate (and Sarah) what you are doing is do important.
Whilst feeling sorry for individuals, can’t help thinking that when we were at war and being bombed, our nation did not run to other countries and expect them to keep us and ever child born thereafter for the rest of time.
The choice was to stay, and fight or if female to aid their men folk, or waive a white flag and accpet your fate.
We cannot take on every war victim, every drought, political asylum, or chancer, without it, as it does ruining our childrens futures.
And how many years ago exactly did the 2nd world war end?without the aid of The Americans”always last to a party”chances are we would not have triumphed!The World has changed sadly lunatic politicians Worldwide have not,but now they have bigger nastier toys which kill indiscriminately,Nuclear bombs which can be delivered with pinpoint accuracy,Chemical weapons which can be primed and aimed just about anywhere! Whist good of you?to feel “sorry”?for individuals it does not disguise the fact your an uncaring twunk or an extremely disagreeable troll,who feels his thunder is being stormed by a “small war”!stupid man!or woman!what’s in a name and a
Reply to jason. Uncaring muppet with no education or heart.