WEYMOUTH Rotary has managed to raise a staggering £20,000 so far to help the people of Ukraine.

The rotary club set out on a mission to raise vital funds to be donated to the Ukrainian Refugee Appeal.

It's thanks to the efforts of the club and the generosity of Weymouth a total of £20,000 has so far been raised to help refugees from the eastern European nation.

Weymouth Rotary Club president Jerry Way paid his thanks to members of the group for giving up their time and residents living across the town and its surrounding areas for digging deep into their pockets.

“Thank you to the good people of Weymouth who have donated in excess of £20,000 towards the Ukrainian Refugee Appeal,” said Mr Way.

“You may have seen Weymouth Rotarians out collecting over the past six weeks joined by an army of local volunteers who answered our request for assistance in the Echo - thank you to each and every one of you who have donated and collected, this has been a brilliant effort and you have been amazing.

“We are honoured and proud to be able to help.”

Starting Friday, March 4, rotary club members and volunteers have since been collecting donations throughout Weymouth as part of their Ukrainian Fundraising Appeal.

On the initial Friday members raised a mouthwatering £2,500 alone and then £3,500 the next day with volunteers collecting at The Range and McDonald's, as well as at Weymouth Football Club.

Mr Way continued: “Rotary International’s credibility as an organisation is hugely respected.

“This gives donors a guarantee that the distribution of entrusted funds or gifts will be efficient and effective, and that the coordination of distribution at the source will be well managed.

"This integrity and experience has enabled fundraisers who want to help Ukraine to use the Polish District 2231 of Rotary as a trusted partner.”

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.