People from across the UK have been doing the most inspiring things to show solidarity and support for those suffering as a result of the invasion of Ukraine - these acts have inspired newspapers and websites from across Newsquest Media Group to come together to raise much-needed funds.
You can read more about how The Bolton News is involved and how you can show your support here.
SINCE the invasion of Ukraine last month, Bolton’s Ukrainian community rallied together in a huge effort to raise money and send vital items to those in need.
One of the biggest efforts came from The Polish Integration Support centre in Wrexham, who launched an urgent appeal for items to help those protecting the Polish borders.
It prompted communities across Bolton to donate items to help those fleeing Ukraine, to the Polish border.
One co-ordinator, Barbara Byczkowska, said: “Manchester, we are forever grateful for your help and support for Ukraine.
“We are so much stronger together.
“Manchester, you have a heart of gold.
“Your kindness will always be remembered.”
Campaigners also worked with the Bolton Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Castle Street, who launched their own appeal for donations too, as well as many other communities across the country.
Bolton’s centre sent approximately 10 metric tonnes of aid for Ukrainian refugees, and they also hope to announce further details of another appeal.
For now, they have said that the best way to help is to donate directly to an aid agency on-the-ground in Ukraine or assisting refugees.
Chair of Bolton's branch of the Association of Ukrainians, Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, said: “It’s been absolutely unbelievable.
“It’s the little things rather than the big things that matter.
“I can’t speak more highly of Boltonians who stepped up to the plate.”
Bolton council also showed their support by raising the flag at the town hall and lighting up the hall with the colours of the flag.
Cllr Martyn Cox, leader of Bolton Council, said: "Bolton has a strong and vibrant Ukrainian community seeing their country attacked in this brutal manner by Putin has shocked us all.
"We want our Ukranian friends to know that we stand with them."
This was followed by several gatherings, led by Bolton’s strong Ukrainian community.
'My world has changed' were the words of Olena Mariichak as she stood alongside her fellow members of Bolton's strong Ukrainian community.
During a gathering Olena told The Bolton News: "I had to come back from Ukraine a week early because of what is happening."My mother and grandfather were told not to leave the country, and it has taken hours to cross the Romanian borders.
"The world needs to give more support.
"I felt it before I put the TV on and my world has changed.
"Every life changed."
She burst into tears when she told us that her friend hasn't been able to go to university and has been sleeping in the metro station.
Yaroslaw also led the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem as they all stood on the steps.
Support is still ongoing, with firefighters in Bolton showing their support this weekend with a charity car wash.
They are inviting residents in the area to bring their cars to Bolton Central Fire Station on Saturday March 19 between 10am and 4pm.
Firefighter Chris Spary said: "People can show their support just by coming down getting their car washed by the firefighters, and just giving whatever they can spare, anything from a few pennies if they feel like it or whatever they can spare in the tub.
"We are hosting the event with proceeds going to the Ukrainian relief fund, we usually do it for a firefighters charity but we are changing it this year for the Ukrainian Fund.
"We are all about community, obviously being firefighters, so we just want to show our commitment to all the communities, especially the Ukrainians at the moment.
"Anyone can come down, if they want to spend five minutes and wash some cars with us then they're more than happy to, they can do that.
"Or if they just want to come down and get their car washed, that's fine as well."
In addition, Bolton Lions in Market Place Shopping Centre, have partnered with International Aid Trust to gather donations every Saturday.
Donations made via JustGiving and use of the JustGiving website will be subject to the JustGiving privacy policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-v30 and cookie policy https://www.justgiving.com/about/info/cookie-notice None of the donation will be collected by Newsquest. Financial transactions are with JustGiving to donate to the British Red Cross Society DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross Society raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world. For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund Charity Registration No. Eng/Wales 220949,Scot SC037738, IOM 0752, Jers430
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