Ukrainian students at St Bees School 'overwhelmed' at community's response to appeal

Ahafiia, Mariia and Diana are boarding students at St Bees School and have teamed up with their fellow students to launch an appeal which saw donations coming in from all corners of the county.

After hearing about the atrocities occurring in their home country and worrying about the safety of their family and friends, the three girls, who are currently in Year 7 and Year 10 at the school, wanted to do all they could to support their fellow Ukrainians.

In collaboration with the school council and head teacher, Robin Silk, the Ukraine Appeal was launched to the public, asking for donations of essential items such as warm clothes, toiletries and non-perishable foods.

The response from the community was incredible, with more than 25 bags full of donations arriving at the school less than 24 hours after the appeal was launched on social media.

More donations flooded in after the weekend and many attending the school’s Ukraine vigil in their chapel today brought donations along with them.

St Bees School has been inundated with donations for its Ukraine appeal

The girls also created their own Ukraine ribbons so that people could show their support for the country while making a small donation towards relief and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Mariia, who was overwhelmed at the response, said: “It was very emotional to see all the donations coming in from the community.

"We just wanted to help the people of Ukraine since we were so far away from home and felt helpless, but the number of donations has been a lot more than we expected.”

Diana said: “It’s inspiring. We didn’t expect to reach so many people with a small idea and the local community have been so generous with their donations.

“We are very proud of the Ukrainian people and we want to inspire more people to help those who are still in the country and who cannot leave.

"We asked our Headmaster Mr Silk and the School Council for help in putting this appeal together and we couldn’t ask for a better support system.”

Ahaffia, Year 8, was thrilled to see so many donations coming in. She said: “I just want to say thank you to the Cumbrian community on behalf of the three of us – this support will help those most in need.”

Speaking at the vigil, Mr Silk said: "We are delighted to throw open the chapel to all people from the community and school to have a period of quiet refection to support those suffering in Ukraine and see so many people donate money or goods which the school are sending to Ukraine."

While the donation appeal is now closed, anyone who would still like to support the school’s efforts can donate to the online fundraiser at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stbeesschoolukraineappeal or drop cash donations in at the school reception.