Mayor backs Greater Manchester-based frontline medical aid charity UK-Med's Ukraine appeal

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is backing the new appeal for Ukraine.

Greater Manchester-based frontline medical aid charity UK-Med has today launched an emergency appeal with the backing of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to support the humanitarian health crisis unfolding in Ukraine, as nearly half a million people flee to neighbouring countries.

The appeal is launched as a UK-Med assessment team fly to Poland to meet potential partners to assess and anticipate the emergency health needs caused by the Russian invasion, now in its seventh day.

Andy said: "Last week I wrote to the Mayors of the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv to express my shock, sorrow and outrage at the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

"Greater Manchester has strong links with Ukraine and we are home to thousands of people of Ukrainian heritage.

"The people of Greater Manchester are known for our generosity. To the people of those three cities, I have already offered any humanitarian assistance or supplies that are needed.

"We will do what we can to help, as we always do. I commend the UK-Med assessment team due to fly to Poland and the wider fundraising efforts of the charity during such a worrying and dangerous time.

"People in Greater Manchester will doubtless want to donate food, clothing and other supplies. While undoubtedly needed, this specific drive is to raise funds which could purchase medical equipment and other supplies, and to enable healthcare professionals from our city-region and beyond to support those in need on the frontline in Ukraine.

"If you can spare money and want to support, I would encourage you to do so as soon as you can – go online and visit uk-med.org/ukraine-appeal.

"The people of Ukraine remain in our thoughts, and we hope and pray for their safety."

The European Union estimates the total number of displaced people heading for Ukraine’s neighbouring countries could reach as many as four million individuals.

To donate to the UK-Med Ukraine Appeal visit: uk-med.org/ukraine-appeal.

Oldhamers can also donate to the people in Ukraine this Thursday, March 3, at Liquid & Envy in Oldham. 

https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/139/main-news/145050/red-cross-appeal-for-donations-in-oldham-this-thursday

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