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Ashford Designer Outlet becomes home to Ukraine donation point

15:30, 13 June 2022

updated: 15:33, 13 June 2022

A Ukraine donation point has opened at Ashford Designer Outlet, filling an empty unit in the original part of the centre.

Volunteer Rachel McNeil came up with the idea in a bid to make it easier for people to know where to go to help.

The team worked hard to get the store set up in time for their opening last weekend
The team worked hard to get the store set up in time for their opening last weekend

"There's lots of people who want to help, but they don't know where to go and I think that's the issue," she said.

"So this is giving people the opportunity to drop off some supplies."

The store will be open every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, July 3 to accept donations to send to the war-torn country.

"I thought on the off-chance the Outlet might let us use one of their empty units to let us get a good footfall," she said.

"I can't ask more of them if I'm honest, they've been really helpful."

Unit 77 at the Outlet is now a donation point for Ukraine
Unit 77 at the Outlet is now a donation point for Ukraine
The site opened for the first time on Saturday
The site opened for the first time on Saturday

Ms McNeil has done collections previously from her house but wanted to get a bigger space to work in.

"It's been a bit much so I contacted the Outlet who kindly let us use one of their empty units for four weekends in a row."

Ashford Rotary Club is helping with the donation point by collecting cash and card donations which will be sent to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC).

Ms McNeil has shared a list of suggested donations such as torches, pain-relief medicines, and cat and dog food on her Facebook page.

The store will be open 11am to 3pm every weekend for the next four weeks to accept donations to send to Ukraine and monetary donations for the DEC.

Craghoppers is a new store that has just opened at Ashford Designer Outlet
Craghoppers is a new store that has just opened at Ashford Designer Outlet

Meanwhile, outdoor clothing store Craghoppers has also opened at the Outlet, taking up a spot next to Wagamama.

The company sells clothing, shoes and accessories as well as equipment such as tents, camping accessories and rucksacks.

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