Film-maker Yvonne Findlay collecting items for charity Stella’s Voice to help war-torn Ukraine during the winter months
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A local film-maker is collecting vital items for people in need in war-torn Ukraine.
Yvonne Findlay, whose work includes 2016 documentary The Royal Burgh of Forres, is volunteering for Peterhead-based Stella’s Voice.
The charity was formed to provide care, education and jobs to protect the most vulnerable from exploitation and trafficking.
Yvonne explained: “The collection is in response to the urgent need for supplies for the people of Ukraine as the conflict continues.
“My friends Hazel McPherson, Carolle Ralph, Lydia Munro and Raymond Young initiated the link with Stella’s Voice.
“They have been collecting throughout Moray in Lossiemouth, Hopeman and Roseisle over the last few months.
“I added to their efforts by setting up a collection point in the Tolbooth in Forres.
“I’m grateful to Forres Heritage Trust for providing facilities for the drop off.”
Stella’s Voice was formed at the fall of Communism as the western media was first allowed back into eastern Europe, revealing deprivation including dire conditions in state run orphanages.
The charity’s founders were inspired to help.
Most recently they have responded to the Russian invasion by delivering supplies to Moldova and across the borders into Ukraine.
Yvonne said: “Stella’s Voice let us know which items are most needed.
“At the moment, those particularly needed in response to the cold and disruption to electricity supplies are scarves, gloves, hats, head torches, sleeping bags, blankets, thermal clothing and ‘hot hands’ hand warmers.
“We deliver the items to the Stella’s Voice depot in Peterhead where they are packed for transportation and distributed to those in need.”
Last year, Forres Academy students and staff filled 38 shoe boxes with clothing items, sweets, stationary items, toys, games and other suitable small items during a Christmas shoebox appeal for Stella’s Voice.
Moray Waste Busters and Walker’s of Aberlour have also made donations.
Yvonne collected donations for winter supplies at the Tolbooth on Fridays until Friday, February 24. Spring supply needs will be requested via the Forres Heritage Trust Facebook page
“There has been a fantastic response already,” she said.
“The first donation from the Forres community is already making its way to the people of Ukraine.
“Thank you.”
Visit https://stellasvoice.org.uk/ and https://forresheritage.co.uk/ for more information.
