The scenes we are witnessing in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion are utterly heart-breaking. Families are being separated at the border; ordinary citizens are taking up arms to defend their country; and, sadly, civilian casualties are already mounting.
This appalling situation demands the strongest possible response. We must stand with the people of Ukraine, and provide them with humanitarian and military aid, while unleashing the full force of sanctions against Putin and his cronies.
The Government’s response so far on accepting Ukrainian refugees is woefully inadequate. Boris Johnson needs to follow the lead of our European neighbours and set up a simple, rapid scheme to resettle Ukrainian refugees in the UK. Anything less would be a failure of moral leadership.
We must also continue to hit Russia where it hurts most financially. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are calling for an ‘oligarch tax’. There are two elements to this: a windfall tax on oil and gas super-profits, including those of Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom; and freezing, and beginning the process of seizing, the assets of Putin’s cronies who have money and property in the UK.
How you can help
There are numerous local and international organisations you can support and donate to.
Local Ukrainian restaurant Prosperity
Recently I visited the Ukrainian restaurant Prosperity in Twickenham (59 York Street, TW1 3LP). Prosperity is collecting donations to send to Ukraine, and they also have a lunch special, with proceeds going to their fundraising efforts.
PRIORITY ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED – Updated 13th April 2022
FOOD
Instant e.g. noodles and snacks
Dried and Canned
Flour
Baby food
Formula Milk
MEDICINE
Prescription (everything is checked)
Asthma medications
Contraceptives
Over the counter medication e.g. cold remedies, allergy,
hay fever
ADULT SANITARY WEAR
For men, women and maternity
TOOTHPASTE AND TOOTHBRUSHES
CLOTHES
NEW socks, gloves, hats and thermals
for adults and children
GENERAL ITEMS NEEDED
MEDICINE
All in date medicine / medical supplies
Rehydration sachets for babies and adults
Over the counter medicine/herbal remedies to help with sleep and anxiety
DISINFECTANTS & WATER PURIFICATION
Dettol / TCP / disinfectant (including wipes)
Water purification tablets
CLOTHES
New socks, new winter gloves, new underwear, including new bras and nursing bras
and new thermal wear
Good quality water resistant winter coats
SLEEPING
Sleeping bags
Sleeping camping mats
Winter blankets (new or freshly cleaned)
Pillows – new only
Duvets – new only
GENERAL
Thermos flasks
Torches & batteries
Heat patches (e.g. ‘Hot hands’)
FOOD – ADULT & BABY
Dried and tinned food / non perishable food including snacks and gluten free food
Baby formula (especially newborn 0-3 months)
Infant food
Condensed milk
OTHER ITEMS
Wet wipes
Nappies (all sizes, especially newborn 0-3 months)
Sanitary towels, tampons and adult sanitary products
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Power banks (please provide fully charged if possible and label CHARGED)
New small toys, e.g. colouring books, crayons, felt tips, small packs of Lego. No
battery/electrical operated toys and picture books only.
Pass time activities for adults, e.g. Suduko, colouring, card games
Pet food
Tape (to fix up shattered windows and for packaging our goods)
Adaptors for EU sockets
Washing powder/gel for clothes
NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT
Bedding such as used sheets, duvets pillows or towels
Bags of general clothing (except for items listed above)
Shoes
Perishable food
Cuddly toys for hygiene reasons
Monetary donations
All monetary donations received at the Prosperity Centre for Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine is used towards funding the the transport of our aid from the UK to Ukraine.
We can accept monetary donations via:
- Cash (in branch only)
- Card payment (in branch only)
- Bank Transfer
If you would like to donate via bank transfer please use the following details
Account name – United Europe LTD
Sort code – 20-46-76
Account number – 03324796
Reference – Ukraine
If you would like to donate to the JustGiving to help Galyna and Alex cover the ongoing costs of the restaurant whilst closed, please click here.
Prosperity is open at the following times:
Tuesday: 11am – 6pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday 12am – 9pm
Tel: 07853514567
Other organisations you can support include:
*Please note this is not an exhaustive list, but we will continue adding to it