Ukraine-Russia: Donate money not material goods, says Edinburgh-based humanitarian group

Cassandra Nelson works for humanitarian group Mercy Corps, which has its European headquarters in Edinburgh.

The organisation has sent teams to eastern Europe to support those fleeing conflict since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army invaded Ukraine on February 24.

Ms Nelson arrived in Siret in Romania’s Suceava region, which is about one hour’s drive from the Ukraine border, about one week ago.

She said the situation is still in “emergency mode”, with more than 150,000 refugees, mostly women and children, having already travelled through the north-east region alone since last month.

The 55-year-old said donating money to reputable charities helping those fleeing Ukraine is the best way to meet the direct needs of the refugees.

“A lot of people in Europe are really keen to help by sending goods, what we call material aid,” she said.

“Please don’t do this.

“Unless there is a very specific request for something like a certain type of medicine, money donations are best.

“Having stuff trucked in here, like clothing items, is not the right solution right now.

“It’s so hard to distribute correctly to the right people, and the transportation costs getting it here with the high gas prices just doesn’t work.