Red Cross appeals for volunteers to collect money for Ukraine in Milton Keynes

British Red Cross have teamed up with SPAR stores to raise money to help the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The charity is calling for volunteers to hold buckets at their local store to collect for those in need.

A Red Cross spokesman said: "There is no escaping the devastating events unfolding in Ukraine right now. In two weeks alone, homes have been reduced to rubble and families have been forced to live underground to seek refuge from the fighting.

"Hundreds of thousands of people have no food, water, heat or electricity and no medical care. With a reported two million Ukrainians having left their homes and loved ones, the Red Cross Movement is scaling up its response by the hour and needs the continued support of the British public."

The spokesman added: "Right now, cash donations are by far the quickest, safest, and most direct way to help people and to support the work of the Red Cross in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

"With that in mind, SPAR stores across the country have invited Red Cross volunteers to pick up a bucket and collect crucial donations from more than 2,600 of its locations across the UK."

If you live near a SPAR store and would like to volunteer your time and shake a bucket in support, please visit here.

Miranda Bradley, Head of Volunteering for Fundraising, British Red Cross said, “We have received such an overwhelming response from the British public, who have opened up their hearts and pockets to try and help support the humanitarian crisis unfolding day by day in Ukraine.

"We know that people have felt helpless, sad and desperate to support as the crisis in Ukraine continues to deepen and this is another way for people to show their support if they wish to. Picking up a bucket at your local SPAR store will help to raise crucial donations that will go directly to the essential work of Red Cross volunteers on the frontline of the humanitarian response.”

The fundraising event will be held on 17th,18th and 19th March.