Gaan the Distance for Ukraine: Volunteers make start on processing huge range of donations

The first load of donations for the Gaan the Distance for Ukraine appeal is being sorted through today, Wednesday, after a huge response by the Orkney public.

Three volunteers and staff from McAdie & Reeve, assisted for a time this morning by staff from The Orcadian, are currently processing a huge range of items including bedding, clothes, toiletries and baby items.

In preparation for customs checks, each box and bag has to be sorted and unpacked, re-packed into marked boxes, weighed and set into separate piles.

The task is today being very generously carried out by three volunteers, Mhairi Noble, Jenny Groat and Helen Paterson, who have given up their time to assist.

But as the appeal continues, there will be a need for more volunteers to speed up the processing of the mammoth amount of donations, with anyone who may be able to assist on Wednesdays and possibly Thursdays being urged to get in contact with McAdie & Reeve on 872101.

The Gaan The Distance For Ukraine appeal surpassed its £6,500 fundraising target in just three days — and now stands at over £7,500.

This is set to rise further once cash and cheque donations are added.

Any money over the original target is set to go to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.