Ellon community rallies to help those fleeing Ukraine
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An Ellon businesswoman has been overwhelmed with the support shown to her by the local community in the days following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Originally from Ukraine, Maryana Eddie's world was turned on its head on Thursday when her sister called her to tell her of the attacks.
She said: "I am heartbroken.
"My mother is in Ukraine, and I worry about her.
"All of my family and my friends are in the Ukraine.
"I feel so bad, so hopeless, and there are so many thoughts going round in my head - people ask how I'm doing and I don't really know, it's just too much to think about."
Maryana shared that she has received regular updates from family and friends who are thankfully all okay (physically at least), and have decided for various reasons to remain in Ukraine at present.
She was devastated, however, to hear from a friend that they are struggling to access basic items like food and fuel due to damage sustained to bridges in and out of town.
"You sit at dinner and realise you have so much food, you have enough food to share but you can't share it." said Maryana.
"It feels so bad, we have so much.
"My body is here, but my heart and soul are in Ukraine - I'm absolutely heartbroken."
The whole family are struggling to comprehend the situation, and Maryana says that her teenage daughter has been hit particularly hard by the uncertainties facing her Ukrainian loved ones.
Determined to do something to help, Maryana took to social media to ask for donations which could be sent to the Ukrainian border to help those fleeing their homes.
She has since been overwhelmed by the response, with donations flooding in.
Commenting she said: "Ellon has opened its arms to me, it really is a community here.
"Every donation means so much to me, it touches my heart to know so many people want to help.
"Collecting donations makes me feel like I have taken some power back, I am feeling much better now that I can do something.
"To know so many people are thinking of us - I really appreciate it, it means so much to have their thoughts."
Unfortunately at the moment north-east collections have been hampered by difficulties in securing transport to bring the donations to Poland, where they can then be distributed to those who need them, meaning that collections like Maryana's are limited in what they can accept to ensure that the most desperately needed items are delivered first.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help fund extra deliveries from Aberdeen to Poland, and anybody who would like to donate can do so at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/aberdeenhelpukraine.
It has already accumulated over £16,000.
Maryana will continue to collect items in her shop - Prestige Town on Bridge Street - and is open to donations of Thermos flasks, heating pads, protein bars, bandages and dressings, dry food, yoga and camping mats, sleeping bags, baby wipes, nappies, sanitary items, first aid kits, powdered baby formula, pet food, new underwear (women's), torches or suitcases.
At present these are the only items she can accept however she will keep local Facebook groups updated with required items.
