From a movement which started collecting goods in a shop in Boscombe, residents have shown their community spirit in droves through their support for the Bournemouth to Ukraine movement and other donation drives in Dorset.

Organisers of the From Bournemouth to Ukraine group started calling for donations at the end of February.

And over a single weekend, word of mouth began to spread thanks to the power of social media, sparking a tidal wave of help from across Dorset.

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As offices and properties began to fill up across the conurbation, help was on the way from Bournemouth’s biggest shopping centre.

Castlepoint management gave the group the use of the old Argos warehouse and shop as a drop-off point and storage facility for all donations.

And now, the group is also organising the relief effort from a warehouse at Bournemouth Airport, thanks to help from Bournemouth East MP, Tobias Ellwood.

It has been more than four weeks since the appeal for donations was launched by Karol Swiacki.

Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this week, he said: “We counted 760 pallets of donations all together (since the appeal started).

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“So far we have sent 180 pallets to Poland and Ukraine.”

The group have been labelled an ‘Army of Hope’, with the movement being heralded as one of the best in the UK.

Haulage and warehousing company Wyvern Cargo have been helping to transport the pallets between the Castlepoint facility and the Bournemouth airport warehouse. The deal was struck by Verwood councillor Shelly Rose who wanted to help speed up transportation for the group.

The group have also seen support from ferry operators Stena Line, who have been taking the donations to Holland for onward shipment, and travel company TUI who have discussed the possibility of an aeroplane being provided to the group.

From Dorchester to Swanage, Poole, Christchurch and beyond, people have come in their droves. Baby goods, medicines, sleeping equipment and much more has been given.

And as part of the efforts, fundraising pages were set-up online to help fund transportation costs, as well as appeals for people to consider donating money through official channels.