Help for Ukraine

UPDATE FROM THE BID CEO – MIKE EVANS

Dear Colleagues

I am sure that like myself and our IBID staff you are horrified as you watch the news and witness Ukraine and its cities, and citizens, such as Kyiv currently facing significant adversity and destruction.

This morning I heard as I drove to Inverness an article on the BBC where a Highland businessman is trying to collect aid to take to the fleeing immigrants. It occurred to me that perhaps the Inverness BID could help collate that effort for our City centre businesses if they wished to participate. However having contacts on the board of Blythswood, who have been specialising in such work for decades to specifically the countries most affected including Ukraine itself  I thought it might make sense to partner with them if the desire existed in our members to simply “DO SOMETHING TO HELP”. 

I am advised that at present Blythswood are reviewing the situation but due to economic waste and export rules etc they themselves are simply sending cash directly to partner organisations as they feel that to be more effective and efficient use of resources.

I do not wish to in any way pour scorn on any individuals or indeed tell people what to do or not in the face of extreme distress in a fellow European capital but at present the best advice appears to be make donations to Charities already set up if you wish to help.  Some of the possible Charities already on the ground are listed below for your assistance if you wish to donate:

Blythswood Care | Blythswood Care
(2) Sunflower of Peace | Facebook
United Help Ukraine – Helping People. Saving Lives.
Голоси дітей (voices.org.ua)
Ukraine Crisis Appeal | British Red Cross

If you do wish to donate goods then we are also aware of those listed below who are currently accepting donations – please check their page for up to date information:

Saffron Oriental Foodshop
Inverness Cathedral Dedicated to St Andrew

If this position changes then you will of course be the first to hear from us.

Mike Evans
Chief Executive
Inverness Business Improvement District (BID)
First Floor
17 Queensgate
Inverness
IV1 1DF

01463 714550