A van carrying hundreds of essential items of food, water and medical supplies will set off from Leicester this week to go to Przemysl in Poland to be given to Ukrainian refugees who have fled from Ukraine to Poland. Przemysl is situated close to the Ukrainian border and is 400 Kilometres South East of Warsaw. Operation Zenon brings together three Leicester based organisations, The Integration Foundation, The Northfields Foodbank and the Brighton Road Mission who have appealed for donations from local people. Amongst the items are tinned foods, buggies, toiletries such as toothpaste and shower gel, nappies and sanitary wear. Zenon set off from Leicester on Thursday the 26th of March, cross the channel to drive through France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany to get to Poland, to finally arrive in Warsaw on Saturday the 28th of March. Here the supplies will be given to Caritas, a Polish charity focused on ensuring the Ukrainian refugees are taken care of during their stay in Poland.
Keith Vaz, Chairman of the Integration Foundation said: “The response of the people of Leicester has been overwhelming. Over the decades I have seen many international crises and Leicester has always answered the call. I have never seen such a huge reaction over such a short period of time. Leicester has responded to the war with generosity and kindness. This is a small contribution but everyone wanted to do something. “ Diana Cank from the Northfields Food Bank added: “ We cannot imagine what it must be like to live in a war zone or be a refugee. I hope that this will bring comfort to those who have lost everything.”
