Finding Hope at Dalton Mills

A charity that ships out supplies to a deprived part of the Ukraine has found new hope at Dalton Mills, after a fire swept through their previous storage facility.

Take Hope Yorkshire supports organisations in the Ukraine, particularly orphans, the elderly and the handicapped, by shipping out wheelchairs, bedding, clothing, food and even fire fighting equipment. Take Hope was set up in 1995 by Andrew McVeigh to help the Vinogradiv region of the Ukraine.

The charity had collected 400 boxes of desperately needed supplies at their previous premises in Halifax when a fire swept through the facility destroying almost all the toys, clothing and equipment which had been donated. It has taken eighteen months to collect the goods, which were due to be shipped out this month, and the charity were forced to start over and relocate.

Magna Holdings offered space at Dalton Mills at a reduced rate and the charity moved in a couple of weeks ago. Take Hope has been moved by the support they have received since the fire, and thanks to generous donations they have almost replaced the damaged aid load.

Andrew McVeigh said: “ We are overwhelmed with the help we have had from the local community to help us get back out to the Ukraine next week as planned. Since the fire, everyone has really rallied round to help us get goods together again. Dalton Mills is a great location for us to continue for the future and we hope that the move will be a long-term arrangement.”

Take Hope support a soup kitchen, a therapy centre for disabled children and an orphanage by shipping out equipment and clothing and by providing financial aid. West Yorkshire Fire Service also donates fire-fighting equipment, which is delivered and distributed by the charity, because of a desperate shortage in the region. Take Hope are always seeking clothes, bedding, toiletries and of course financial donations. They also require wheelchairs and equipment for the therapy centre, old computer equipment, bicycles, baby equipment and prams, amongst other items

To find out how to help Take Hope build a new future for the people of the Vinogradiv region, visit www.take-hope.org.uk.