A COMMUNITY leader has said he has seen a 'fantastic response' from the Weymouth public after more than £8,000 has been raised to help refugees amid the Ukraine crisis.
Weymouth Rotary Club president Jamie Way has been spearheading a rally across Weymouth to raise funds in a bid to help refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, following the invasion of Russia on Ukrainian soil.
Starting Friday (March 4), rotary club members and volunteers have been collecting donations throughout Weymouth as part of their Ukrainian Fundraising Appeal.
Mr Way said: "On Friday we were outside McDonald's in the Jubilee Close Retail Park, outside The Range in the town centre, and at the vigil at the Jubilee Clock Tower during the evening.
"On Friday alone we raised £2,500.
"The following day, we were outside The Range and McDonald's again, as well as had volunteers at Weymouth Football Club. On the Saturday we raised £3,500 in one day."
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, volunteers have raised more than £1,000 outside The Range, and in Morrisons.
"It's a fantastic response by the Weymouth public," said Mr Way.
"The amount raised just shows how much the generous people of this town care about the people affected by the crisis in Ukraine."
Mr Way said the cash raised will be sent to Rotary International In Great Britain & Ireland, which will then be distributed to countries including Germany, Poland, Romania, and other states taking in refugees fleeing the violence.
He said: "Going forward, another way the public can help in the Ukraine crisis is to volunteer their time to help us raise as much money as possible.
"We are always looking for more volunteers and it would be a huge help."
Another collection is set to be held outside The Range in New Bond Street on Saturday (March 12).
Mr Way has thanked Sherrens The Printers on Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth Football Club, and the Dorset Echo, for publishing its appeal for volunteers and a huge thank you to all the volunteers who stepped forward to help with the collections.
Weymouth Rotary Club is also taking donations supporting the appeal directly. Cheques payable to Weymouth Rotary Club supporting the appeal can be sent to Pilgrim House, Hope Square, Weymouth, DT4 8TU.
For more information on how to donate, contact Mr Way at jway@imluk.com.
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