Members of Maldon Rotary Club will be in the town centre once again this week to collect money for the people of Ukraine, after raising more than £600 over two days of collections last week.

The club raised £627 by standing outside high street store M&Co last Friday (18 March) and Saturday (19 March) with collection buckets, thanks to generous donations from residents, and is now planning to raise more.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Our members were overwhelmed by the generosity of people in donating to this desperately needed cause, and send their heartfelt thanks.

"Members and friends will be back outside M&Co, who have generously allowed us to stand outside the store, this Friday and Saturday (25 and 26 March) from 10am.

"Please give generously. Thank you."

The money raised will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Appeal, which has been helping people in Ukraine and its bordering countries after Russia launched its invasion on 24 February.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Saturday (19 March) that at least 847 civilians had been killed and 1,399 wounded in Ukraine from the beginning of Russia's invasion to 18 March, but added that it believes the real toll is "considerably higher".

The UN migration agency also said on Friday (18 March) that nearly 6.5 million people have been displaced inside Ukraine, in addition to the 3.2 million people who have already fled the country.

Donations to the DEC Ukraine Appeal are being distributed to the DEC's member charities and local partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide food, first aid, clean water, shelter support, warm clothing, hygiene parcels and medicine to people in need.

The appeal is also helping charities to support medical facilities, run collective centres with beds, food and washing facilities and provide transport, up-to-date information and psychosocial support.

You can donate to Maldon Rotary Club's collection for the appeal on Friday and Saturday outside M&Co, which can be found at 44-48 Maldon High Street.

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