Doors opening for Ukraine fundraiser at the Blue Door on Sunday

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.

Donations are welcome, from clothes, shoes to toys, books, homeware, home bakes, raffle prizes and there will be donation pots in the shop for anyone wishing to donate in this way.

Claire Mitchell will also be there offering up her skills as a face painter, while her son Cole will be running a bottle and tin stall – again they would be delighted to receive donations for this.

Lyndy Laughton, of the Blue Door, said: “There will be a great raffle on offer thanks to the kindness and generosity of local businesses which will run from the 6 – 13 March. Photos of the raffle prizes will appear on our Facebook page during the week and details on how to purchase tickets, both in the shop and online. If any local business feel they would like to assist by providing a raffle prize this would be most appreciated and please contact the shop directly at any time.”

The Blue Door raises thousands of pounds every week for different charities and organisations throughout Orkney and when the community asked for Ukrainian assistance, they immediately responded.

Lyndy said: “Everyone in Orkney has massive hearts and we had many come to us asking if we could be the platform to allow them to help. Of course, we said ‘yes’ and all our volunteers have been amazing offering to come and help on Sunday, in addition to the hours they normally volunteer. We cannot thank local businesses for donating amazing prizes to the raffle and Claire and Cole who will be on hand with the face painting and bottle and tins stalls.

“Please come along and support this very worthy cause. I know folk in Orkney will dig deep as they always do to help others in their time of need.”

If you cannot make it along but would like to donate, there are various ways you can help:

• The Orcadian/McAdie & Reeve campaign
• Red Cross Appeal
• Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
• Unicef Ukraine Appeal