We recognise that people will want to try to help in some way and as the situation develops in Ukraine, we appreciate that local people in East Dunbartonshire are looking for ways to show solidarity and support to those affected by the conflict. We have noticed that some local charities and small volunteer groups in East Dunbartonshire are collecting goods to send to refugees in Poland and other neighbouring countries; however, due to exporting regulations this is not always a straightforward process and they could encounter difficulties.
 
We wanted to reach out to ensure that local voluntary groups in East Dunbartonshire are made aware of these obstacles before they try to export goods, as it could mean that local donations are hit with import duties and taxes and impounded by EU ports. Scottish charities could then face having to pay VAT and other charges or pay very significant costs to have pallets of goods destroyed.
 
When you’re looking at how to contribute please review the websites below and consider carefully where to direct your efforts to make sure you make a difference.

 
Ready Scotland have published guidance on this: https://ready.scot/humanitarian
 
Stand For Ukraine - Donate to verified projects to help Armed Forces of Ukraine or humanitarian charities.
 
Unicef UK - Children's charity - For Every Child in Danger
 
The British Red Cross | Worldwide Humanitarian Charity
 
International Rescue Committee (IRC) (rescue-uk.org)
 
Home | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
 
(1) Community of Ukrainians in Glasgow | Facebook
 

EDVA will continue to send updates as information is released around community repsonse.  If you have any questions around this or correspondance please contact joni.mitchell@edva.org