Cuff Miller as a community hub for Ukraine Appeal
Cuff Miller has been working as a community hub, receiving donations from across Littlehampton, Rustington and the surrounding areas.
Donations have been collated and delivered to St. Mary’s, Felpham where they are sorting and packing items together. From here, items are delivered to Ukrainian refugees who have been displaced into Poland, often having to leave almost everything behind.
Cuff Miller’s Director and Dealer Principal, James Baxter said “I think like so many people across the country we all felt helpless looking at the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine. The team were unanimous in that we should do something to help and Emma suggested we start collecting donations on site.” Cuffs is well known in the local area and has been established for 75 years within the community this March. The central location and available space meant the car dealer could accept are large number of donations. With plentiful parking on site and a company van, meaning moving transportation in bulk wouldn’t be an issue.
“We set to work on Friday and by Saturday we had filled the three donation ‘bins’ and much of our showroom, resulting in our first full van load on Monday morning and a second Tuesday! We have been absolutely humbled by the kindness and generosity everyone has shown, with some people bringing in several bags or even boxes of shopping; every single item has really helped. Thank you” James said. “We’re lucky to have such a fantastic community and a driven team at Cuffs, with so many people working to help others.” “I cannot stress what a fantastic job the team of volunteers at St. Mary’s Felpham are doing; unquestionably they will be positively impacting the lives of so many people at what must be such a terrible time, in a practical way.” He added. “It is truly remarkable what they have managed to achieve and we are all very thankful.”
Father John Challis from St’ Mary’s, Felpham said;
“We have been working with two local Polish men who have been taking the items into Poland and to their families and then the items have been distributed to actual refugees along the border of the Ukraine. Many might know that Polish and others from mainland Europe would often travel home and so these people have been the perfect people to get items out there and right to the heart of the needs.” We have sent lorry loads [of aid] to Poland and Moldova” he added. “All our hearts are reaching out to those in need and it is fabulous that the expats of Poland and Moldova can help their fellow countrymen in the relief of those in need.”
Michael Gates, who has been working on the appeal at Cuff Miller said: “The support of our friends and neighbours in the community has been truly amazing and we are all so glad to have been able to help. We have had people keen to share incredible feedback. I had a message from a family friend, Natalia, who is a translator in Ukraine. She has joined the aid effort in Poland and is witnessing events first hand and wanted to express her gratitude; “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it is so heartening to know that so many people care”. Knowing that we have pulled together to help and that we have made a difference is very touching, thank you everyone for your kindness”
The response to the appeal has been incredible, with so many people willing to help and has undoubtedly provided aid quickly when and where people need it. As the situation progresses, further organised support has been able to find footing.
“when the refugees needed help, companies like Cuffs step up and quickly mobilize your people and the response from everyone has been wonderful” said Father John, but with organised aid now able provide assistance on the ground “St Mary's would now urge urging those who are looking to help to consider a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal” which has now raised over £100 million nationally and have now completed the Appeal.
Both St. Mary’s Felpham and Cuff Miller would like to thank everyone for their support.
