We are today sending out an urgent appeal to our entire AFC Wimbledon family as we join Europe's top football clubs to help the people of Ukraine.
The famous Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk is building an emergency shelter within its own ground to help house hundreds of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.
The Lviv Stadium is in the far western part of Ukraine and the club now urgently needs all forms of bedding to help accommodate the terrified families left homeless by the war.
From tomorrow onwards (Saturday, March 19) donations can be left at Dons Local Action Group stalls.
The appeal urgently needs all forms of bedding - such as travel cots, duvets, sleeping bags, bedlinen and blankets. Please note that the items must be new or near new only.
You can drop off bedding (Saturday 11 am until 4 pm) at the following locations:
- Tesco, New Malden
- Sava Centre, Colliers Wood
- Waitrose, Wimbledon
- Sainsbury's, Wimbledon
- Morrisons, Wimbledon
- Sainsbury's, Putney
- Sainsbury's Balham
Alternatively, we will also be opening a drop-off centre here at The Cherry Red Records Stadium from Monday to Friday next week (March 21 to 25).
The collection is being overseen by our AFC Wimbledon Foundation who have officially launched a Blue and Yellow campaign to reflect the fact our club proudly shares the same colours as the Ukrainian national flag.
Foundation director Phil Rudling explained: "We have all seen the unbearable suffering on TV and this is our chance to help those terrified families forced into fleeing their homes."
"Just take your items to either a DLAG stall or come to our stadium reception area next week," added Phil. "We will gather it all and then drive everything over to Holland where a main collection centre has been opened.
"From there it will go the Polish club Legia Warsaw and then be directly transferred to the Shakhtar Donetsk stadium where refugees will find shelter.
"I cannot stress how important your help is at this desperate time."