A Lions club in Newquay has been formally thanked for its efforts towards helping the people in wartorn Ukraine. 

Newquay Towan Blystra Lions has received a certificate of thanks from Fundacja Nasza Ukraina (FNU), a voluntary organisation based in Poland, which was established to help people affected in the conflict caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year.  

The organisation has praised the Lions club for providing support via Cornwall and Devon Sending Love to Ukraine, which was established by Callington Lion Darren Tait. 

Since Darren organised the first convoy of nine vans, monthly convoys have made the same trip.

The vans travel to the Polish capital of Warsaw to meet with FNU members who then transport all the goods and supplies across to Ukraine to help civilians affected by the war. 

The number of vehicles carrying supplies has increased over time and so far 137 vans have made trips across to Eastern Europe. 

Towan Blystra Lions have made financial contributions to pay for the costs of fuel, ferry crossings and accommodation for those volunteers in the convoy making the five-day trek.  

With the need showing no sign of abating as the war continues, Towan Blystra Lions are putting in place plans to work with Newquay Lions Club to be part of future convoys and take supplies in vans, via Cornwall and Devon Sending Love to Ukraine, direct from Newquay.  

Lion Monique Collins, who runs the Newquay DISC charity from the Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay, is already acting as a collection point for non-financial donations. 

It is hoped that, when the Newquay part of the convoy departs, it will be filled to the gunnels. 

Among supplies already collected but needed on a continual basis are in-date standard medications, nappies, sanitary products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, non-perishable foods, bedding, sleeping bags, tents, crutches, zimmerframes, children’s toys and clothes – particularly any knitted premature birth clothing. More adult clothing is not needed at this time though. 

Anyone who would like to find out more about the aid initiative or the work which the Lions clubs do across Newquay and further afield can visit www.sending lovetoukraine.org and either the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions or Newquay Lions Facebook pages.