College collection after student Sofia was moved to tears by Ukraine plight
A Caithness student has organised a collection of vital supplies for Ukraine after being reduced to tears by the plight of the country's refugees.
Sofia Santos, who studies at North Highland College UHI in Thurso, said she felt she had to do something to help those who had lost their homes and belongings following the invasion by Russian forces.
“It saddens me to my core seeing families being torn apart and separated and losing everything they've worked for," she said.
“It brings me to tears every time I think about it. I can't imagine going through anything similar."
Sofia (40), who is originally from Madeira, Portugal, and lives in Keiss, is a third-year environmental science student.
She was given space within the college to gather and sort donations such as baby products, tinned food, clothing, toys, hand sanitiser, medical goods and toiletries.
Sofia thanked staff and fellow students for supporting the appeal and she also praised the generous response of two local businesses, Norse Stone and KW1CK Deliveries.
“Everybody has been very touched and saddened by the situation in Ukraine so I wanted to do my bit to make a little bit of a difference," Sofia explained.
“I got in touch with the college to ask if they would allow me to put out an email to students and staff that I would be taking collections for Ukraine.
“I am extremely grateful that the college agreed to it and gave me space so I could sort out donations. They were very kind and very supportive of the idea, and everybody got on board."
Sarah Ellis assisted her with key communications.
“We had a lot of donations, from dry food to baby items, clothing and medical supplies including medication and bandages," Sofia said.
“We got quite a big donation from the college itself. Everybody has been really generous.”
Contributions also came from the college's Alness and Dornoch campuses.
“Without everyone that donated, this wouldn't be possible,” Sofia said. “Everybody has been fantastic – amazing.”
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She got in touch with Norse Stone and the company offered to pay whatever the cost would be for KW1CK Deliveries to take all the donations to a collection point in Inverness.
“I was amazed, but then KW1CK Deliveries offered it for free,” Sofia said.
“If it wasn't for Norse Stone I wouldn't know about KW1CK Deliveries. If it wasn't for them offering to pay, then we wouldn't have it for free.”
Some of the donated items were clearly newly bought, as they were still in their wrapping.
Sofia said: “People obviously bought it with the intention of giving it to Ukraine. It restores your faith in humanity.”
College principal Debbie Murray said: “We are delighted that Sofia and others have taken the initiative to find ways to support the dreadful situation in Ukraine.
"The response from staff, students and the wider communities across the north Highland area has been tremendous. From a small community in the north of Scotland we are really playing our part and hope we can continue to find ways to assist the people being affected.”
Gary Gunn of KW1CK Deliveries collected the load on Friday before transporting it to Inverness on Monday.
Gary said: “It's always good to do your bit – we're not going to charge for taking that down. They've worked hard to collect it.
"Sofia was at Norse Stone and they said they would cover the cost. I said, 'Don't worry about it – it's for a good cause.'
"They are needing as much help as they can get. Everybody has come together and done their bit."
Gary was among those who helped move supplies from Caithness after a separate Ukraine collection organised by Jacqueline Coghill, Caitlin Mowat and Sally Crowe. The three friends arranged a series of donation points around the county and, supported by a small army of helpers, arranged distribution after the donated items had been sorted and packed in a large marquee at Stemster House earlier this month.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, upwards of three million people have been forced to flee Ukraine.
