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Aurrida House will be in the Blue Door next week ( Monday 7 March) raising funds for the children and young people’s comfort fund.

The fund enables the purchase of sensory toys and specialist equipment for those children and young people with additional support needs who attend at the respite care facility in Kirkwall.

In response to the community’s desire to do something to help the people of Ukraine, the Blue Door will be opening tomorrow, Sunday.

Head along to the charity on Kirkwall’s Victoria Street between 10am-5pm and all money raised will be going directly to the UNICEF Appeal working tirelessly to help and support children and their families affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The dove carrying an olive branch is the symbol of peace – so this was the perfect choice for an Orkney crafter standing with Ukraine.

Sarah Laughton, who runs a small business called Hestacraft making gifts from wire and wool, wanted to put her talents to practical use and raise funds for a Ukranian charity.

The Orcadian and McAdie & Reeve have joined forces to launch a local appeal that will see the delivery of vital items to the people of Ukraine in their time of need.

The businesses are hoping to transport an arctic lorry load (or more) of bedding, mattresses (in good condition), blankets, clothing, shoes, toiletries, hygiene products, medical supplies (bandages), children’s toys, and baby items such as nappies and wipes to refugees.

“I have never been so proud to call Orkney my home” – the words of Michelle Green, whose sister has fled Ukraine

Michelle, a Marketing & Communications Manager at the Pickaquoy Centre, is heading to Poland next weekend to be with her sister and her family during this incredibly difficult time.

Orkney’s Lee Inkster can be found scouring the county’s beaches on the hunt for seaglass and pottery to use within her creative art business Orkney Seaglass Crafts.

Like so many others, Lee has also found herself looking for ways to show support for the people of Ukraine.

Papdale Stores in Kirkwall are also advising folk that they are able to take financial donations for the DEC Ukraine Appeal through their Post Office service.

Just head to the shop and let the staff know you want to make a donation which is processed in the same way as any other transaction and people can pay by cash or card. The shop and Post Office is open til 9pm every evening. The UK Government are matching pound for pound the first £20 million of donations made to the DEC Appeal.

Orkney’s Jenni Wilson recently joined the charity GAiN UK as a collection point for donations to assist people in crisis situations and poverty around the world.

Little did she know when she started, that just days later she would be sharing an appeal for support for Ukraine - an Eastern European country invaded by its Russian neighbours just over a week ago.

Sssssshhhhhhh….Westray Junior High staff and pupils are keeping quiet about their fundraiser for Ukraine!

S1-3 pupils will be participating in an all-day silence on Tuesday 8 March, beginning at  9am and finishing at 3.45pm including interval and lunchtime.

It’s that time of year again when parents and carers can enrol their eligible children into primary school.