A collection for the Ukraine refugee appeal was made during a meet of the North Cotswold Hunt held in the centre of Broadway, Worcestershire, on Wednesday 16th March. This follows a period of fundraising by the hunt for those suffering during the crisis in Ukraine.
So far, the hunt has raised over £5,000 and it has also dispatched a lorry full of clothing and other supplies which is currently on its way to the Ukrainian/Polish border where it will be used to help those in need.
Ollie Dale, master and huntsman of the North Cotswold Hunt said: "We have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our followers and also the members of the public who were present in the village today. We really appreciate the efforts of all those who have got involved and we thank all those that have donated in any way."
The North Cotswold Hunt kennels are based in the idyllic village of Broadway and they play an important part in the local community. As well as the hounds and hunt horses being regularly exercised through Broadway, the hunt meets there on Boxing Day where huge crowds welcome them every year.
"The response to this crisis from the hunting community as a whole has been phenomenal, with the supporters of the North Cotswold Hunt being incredibly generous," enthused Polly Portwin, the Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance. "Hunts across the country are using their wide networks to not only raise funds but to also drive vehicles containing donated and much-needed items to deliver them to where they can be distributed. The hunting community really does show its strengths in a time of crisis."