Dingwall rallies to woman's Ukraine refugee drive as spontaneous decision sparks chain reaction of goodwill
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A local woman driven by the suffering in Ukraine has gone the extra mile to donate to those being displaced.
After watching the events unfold in Ukraine on the news, Lyn Wormald from Dingwall decided to use the rest of her Christmas money to go out and buy vital supplies.
Whilst in Poundstretchers, filling her cart with essentials, people began to notice and giving her cash to buy more items.
Ms Wormald explained the situation: "I'm totally overwhelmed by the generosity displayed by the people in this area.
"I have even had a lady from Stornoway asking how she can help, all through the power of media.
"Monday morning saw me deciding to spend my Christmas money on items needed for the families displaced in Ukraine due to no fault of theirs.
"As I was strolling around Poundstretchers filling my trolley with bottles and bottles of shampoo, hand sanitisers, soaps, sanitary items, thermal gloves and socks etc, I met my neighbour looking at me and the trolley quizically.
"When I explained what I was doing she promptly opened her purse and gave me a generous amount of money to add items. At the checkout another kind lady gave me money again to add items, which duly was spent on thermal socks.
"I was so amazed at the kindness I took to Facebook to say thank you to them and from there it escalated.
"I had offers from Scizzor Sistors hairdressers and Jilly in Ironing Bored to say they were happy to be a drop off point.
"The donations have been pouring in and its absolutely fantastic.
"I just cannot thank everyone for their kindness and generosity."
Estate agents YourMove offered two rooms in the back of its office so she can sort and pack the goods.
Some boxes were taken to Fort William yesterday to be shipped, and the rest were taken to the Touch of Poland shop this afternoon.
Boxes were filled with items like sanitary towels, soap, shampoo and hand sanitisers.
She said: "At no point was this my plan but it has turned out this way due to the kindness of everyone.
"I'm just absolutely overwhelmed. My husband has been dropping off boxes, I now have five ready to go in my sitting room.
"It's just been amazing."
And yesterday she posted that the goodwill has continued with Ark Estates offering the office space next to Ruth's Foot Clinic in Dingwall today and Saturday as a collection point.
She said she was "touched and stunned" by the gesture. Shop doors will be open from 3pm to 6pm today (Friday) and 10am until 2pm on Saturday.
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