Readers of the Farnham Herald have been praised as “some of the most compassionate in the country” after their rapid response to an appeal for Ukraine.
The Energise Ukraine appeal was launched to support people living in the war torn country through the purchasing of electricity generators.
In a piece entitled Herald Ukraine Appeal: What an amazing lot you are – we are almost there Herald editor Colin Channon in this week’s paper wrote: “We always knew we had some of the most compassionate newspaper readers in the country – but wow! You’ve really stepped up this time. As of last night, as the paper was going to press, the £12,000 appeal stood at… an amazing £11,591.”
The editorial piece added: “We will keep the totaliser below at its original target for this week, just to underline the brilliant response from readers.
“Next week it will show the revised £15,000 target – and let’s do all we can top keep that red line blasting upwards!
“What’s the appeal all about? Energise Ukraine are raising funds to buy electric generators to send to families in various parts of Ukraine who, because of the hostilities, are without the essentials we take for granted – water, light, heat.”
Astonishing response
Organiser Tony Souter said: “The response to the campaign has been astonishing.
“No sooner had last week’s edition been published, donations started dropping on to the JustGiving webpage and it hasn’t let up.
“It looks like we’re likely to hit our target of £12,000 very shortly.
“That sum buys a lot of generators. We’ve already purchased 15 units which will be shipped to Kyiv in a week or two with further consignments to follow.
“However, seeing the magnificent response to this appeal, we think perhaps we could raise the bar just a little and aim for a new target of £15,000.
“I think, with the paper’s reach and the generosity of the readers, we can make it.
“Plainly, more funding translates into more generators helping more Ukrainian families.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their extraordinary generosity – you’ve been just magnificent!”
Donate to the JustGiving webpage at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/energiseukraine