"Gaan The Distance for Ukraine" Appeal Launched in Orkney

That the Parliament commends the launch of the "Gaan The Distance for Ukraine" appeal by The Orcadian, in partnership with Orkney-based haulier McAdie & Reeve, for donations of vital supplies to support the Ukrainian people; understands that The Orcadian and McAdie & Reeve plan to make the 4,500-mile return journey to a collection point in Suceava, Romania, close to the border with Ukraine to deliver donations from the community in Orkney, including bedding, blankets, clothing, shoes, toiletries, hygiene products, medical supplies, children's toys and baby items; notes that a number of local businesses across the isles are serving as collection points for donations; acknowledges that the appeal has been launched in response to what it sees as the quickly-unfolding humanitarian crisis caused by what it considers as the barbaric Russian invasion of Ukraine, which, it understands, has so far forced 2 million people to flee Ukraine into neighbouring countries; recognises that the appeal's fundraising target of £6,500, to cover the cost of ferries, fuel, toll fees and insurance for the journey to the Ukrainian border was exceeded within just three days of launching, with remaining funds to be donated to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal; further recognises other recent fundraising efforts in the community by The Blue Door, which raised nearly £10,000 for UNICEF, and by the Orkney Rugby Football Club at its recent fixture against Ellon; believes that these efforts represent the enormous charitable generosity of the Orkney community, which, it considers, has been demonstrated time and time again and will play a crucial role in UK-wide efforts to assist the Ukrainian people; applauds the teams at The Orcadian and McAdie & Reeve, and all those volunteering to help the appeal, for committing to what it sees as this heroic mission to personally deliver much-needed vital aid to the frontline of this conflict; pays tribute to the people of Orkney who, it believes, played a pivotal role in securing the ban on Russian vessels entering UK ports, and who, it understands, have united as a community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and encourages everyone in Orkney and across the country to support the appeal and fundraising campaign in whatever way they can.