We have all witnessed the horrendous scenes unfolding in Ukraine, with people desperately trying to escape a warzone.

It isn’t something we’d ever expect to see in Europe in our lifetime, but the invasion by Russia has created devastation in Europe’s second-biggest country.

In the face of adversity, it would be wrong of us to stand by and not support those suffering through a nationwide humanitarian crisis. If we can help, we must.

Winn Group, to raise much-needed funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee, is announcing charitable events to help with this.

The first, starting today, is a challenge to complete a 1,779-mile trek; the distance between Newcastle and the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Staff will walk, run, cycle and/or row as part of a company-wide challenge, while asking friends, family, and work colleagues for donations.

To make a financial donation of any amount, we have created a dedicated fundraising page which you can access here. Winn Group has set a target of £1,000, with the Directors kindly offering to match what staff are able to raise over the next month.

In addition, Winn Group is hosting a fundraising pizza buffet lunch for staff and a staff raffle for the chance to win an extra day of annual leave, with all proceeds going to the people of Ukraine.

Winn Group Director, Clint Milnes, said:

“We have all watched the terrible scenes affecting people across Ukraine.

“Watching people fleeing their homes and desperately trying to get away from shelling and the Russian invasion is a stark reminder that we are lucky to be where we are and we must help those less fortunate than ourselves.

“That’s why we are starting these fundraising activities, and we want you to play a big part in this.

“Buy plenty of pizza slices, get those miles in for the cause and encourage those around you to donate to our fundraising page.

“Together we can make a difference to those who need our help.”