Perth’s Polish Scouts reach out to the people of Ukraine

Perth’s Polish Scouts have launched an emergency appeal in the city, both in support of Ukrainian refugees and for those fighting to defend their country.

The idea came from the UK’s National Polish Scouts Association (ZHP) who have been in direct contact with the association in Ukraine. Perth Scout Leaders Paulina Rybicka and Kasia Guzowska found the girls and boys needed little prompting to get involved.

TV images of woman and young children fleeing from their homes and crowding onto trains on their way to Poland and other countries have added to the urgency.

Paulina said, “In the first instance we were looking for pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, clothes, medical supplies, plasters, painkillers, tourniquets, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, bottled water, canned food and formula milk.”

“We are really grateful for the support we have had from the city, both Scots and Polish. The first van is almost loaded now and leaves this week.”

“It’s just 5 days since the invasion. We’ve just started but already there are many volunteers helping us coordinate the aid.”

“Our next load will focus on food and medicines. The collection points include the Polish Shops – Touch of Poland and Polish Sklep and ESOLPerth.”