RICHMOND borough residents are being asked for emergency donations to help the people of Ukraine in their fight against the Putin invasion.

Prosperity restaurant in Twickenham, which is run by a Ukrainian family, is co-ordinating the efforts and will be taking a truck of supplies to the war-torn country.

Yesterday, more than 40 people waving Ukraine flags and carrying placards signalled their support for loved ones in Ukraine on York Street, where the restaurant is based.

The restaurant will begin accepting donations from 3.30pm today (28 Feb).

At this stage, the intention is to take a truck of supplies to Lviv, which is a city in western Ukraine, around 70km from the border with Poland.

Prosperity is one of a handful of locations across the capital which are collecting emergency supplies to help both refugee families and the volunteer fighters.

Urgently needed items include:

• Power banks (for charging phones)

• Large and medium size backpacks

• Male socks

• Camping mats

• Sleeping bags

• Protein bars / energy bars

• First Aid items

• Would dressings

• Painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen)

• Nappies

• Cold and flu remedies

• Toiletries

The restaurant will be offering a special lunchtime menu from Tuesday to raise funds to support families caught up in the war.

The fund-raising effort is being supported by local politicians, including the Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson, and Council leader, Gareth Roberts.

The MP tweeted: "Twickenham residents! Please support our local Ukrainian restaurant, Prosperity, in York Street. From Tues, they have a special lunchtime menu to raise funds for Ukraine.

"Gareth_Roberts and I popped in today to express our support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people."

The Council head office, York House, was lit in blue and yellow on Friday evening

Cllr Roberts said: "As more news comes from Ukraine today, my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.

"The situation is developing quickly. I know we have many people who live or work in this borough who are incredibly concerned for friends and families in Ukraine, and I know many residents will also want to help.

"Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels in the coming days and weeks, where we will continue to share ways for residents to offer support and highlight support available for Ukranian nationals impacted by the invasion."

Ukrainian national, Liudmyla Ponych, of East Twickenham, who came to the UK three years ago, said: "We are a peaceful country that wants to live in a democratic and independent country. Please support Ukraine, pray for Ukraine.

"Ukraine has its own culture, its own history, its own language.

"Ukraine is a sovereign country. Ukraine is not a "part of Russia", it wasn't and will never be.

"There is an Ukrainian cafe in Twickenham opposite. York House called Prosperity. They are sending a truck to Lviv, taking First Aid supplies, nappies, bedding, sleeping bags and toiletries. They would welcome any donations."

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