PEOPLE in Herefordshire, like those the world over, have been horrified by the war in Ukraine.

They have been particularly distressed to see in newspapers and on television screens, the suffering of ordinary men, women and children – all innocent victims of Russian aggression.

That is why we, in partnership with the Herefordshire Community Foundation, are today launching the Hereford Times Help For Refugees Appeal.

We have done so because we know our compassionate and generous readers will want to help but may be unsure of the best way of getting involved.

According to the United Nations Refugees Agency, more than 2.5 million people have now fled Ukraine as Russia continues to target communities with air strikes and shelling.

Hereford Times: A child holds up her stuffed toy after arriving on the platform with a train originating in Lviv, Ukraine, at the station in Przemysl, Poland. Picture: AP Photo/Czarek SokolowskiA child holds up her stuffed toy after arriving on the platform with a train originating in Lviv, Ukraine, at the station in Przemysl, Poland. Picture: AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski

They have crossed borders to seek safety in neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary and Moldova.

They join more than 850,000 people from Ukraine already displaced by years of conflict. The UN says urgent needs include emergency shelter, relief items such as blankets, and psychological support – all of which rely on voluntary donations.

Money contributed to our appeal will be used to fund the transport of essential goods from Herefordshire to where they are needed.

Hereford Times:

Funds remaining will support the resettlement of refugees from Ukraine and other countries in Herefordshire.

The Hereford Times and Herefordshire Community Foundation have worked together several times, most notably to raise £80,000 to help the victims of the 2020 floods in the county.

The foundation has 20 years' experience of providing a secure channel for charitable donations. It works with donors, the Government and national organisations to ensure money reaches deserving causes in Herefordshire that need it most.

To contribute to the appeal visit www.herefordshirecf.org

Thank you for your kindness.