A PAIR of determined Inverclyde businesswomen have joined forces to help the animals caught up in Russia's devastating war on Ukraine.
Hannah McQuillan, who runs Raw Benefits in Sinclair Street in Greenock, and friend and local driving instructor Julie McConaghy are calling out for donations from people all over Inverclyde for pets in the war torn country.
The people of Ukraine are refusing to leave their beloved animal companions behind as they're forced to flee their homes and seek refuge from Vladimir Putin's deadly attacks on their country.
When the war began, Julie was very proud to learn that a few businesses and individuals in Inverclyde had already assumed the role of donation centres.
She decided to reach out to Hannah about setting her store up as a drop-off point for pet supplies.
Julie has no doubt that the people of Inverclyde will join forces to support the cause.
She added: "What has unfolded is horrendous.
"Families are fleeing their country with their animals under their arms and just the clothes on their backs.
"Imagine having to just get up and leave your home with your pet and make your way to safety.
"We can't forget about the animals caught up in the conflict.
"Communities across Inverclyde are already rallying round and the more donations we can get, the better."
Hannah is looking for any non-perishable items, including dried food and tins, and other items like heated dog and cat beds.
The donations will be picked up by the British Red Cross.
Hannah says a donation doesn't have to be worth a lot of money as every penny counts.
She added: "It doesn't have to be a big gesture, even an extra tin of dog food with your shopping is a big help.
"Wee bits and pieces can make a huge difference.
"There's no limit on what people can drop off and we'll keep collecting until we're satisfied we have enough to make a big difference."
Julie said her hope has been buoyed by the donations already made by kind-hearted individuals.
She added: "A lot of local businesses are already getting involved but we're calling out companies to get involved who can help with moving the donations.
"There's help already in place thanks to people out there in communities all over Inverclyde, but we need higher powers to get involved too."
*Raw Benefits is open for donations Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here