WHEN pub landlord Mike Knowles began a collection for vital supplies to send to Ukraine, he expected a kind response from generous locals.
But the selflessness from big-hearted regulars as well as members of the local community was quite literally overwhelming.
Within hours of asking for goods to send to victims of the crisis, the Cat and Lion in Stretton was crammed with donations – including 10,000 nappies.
Donations were gratefully received at the Cat and Lion pub in Stretton
Goods brought along to the former 17th century coaching inn on Tarporley Road just kept on coming.
“Everyone was incredibly generous, but we had to put out messages on social media saying that we just could not receive any more – as much as we would have loved to – since we literally ran out of space,” Mike said.
“The pub as well as the flat upstairs was just packed to the rafters, and even though I put the message out, even more had been left when I came to work the next morning.
Donations received which will be sent to help people in Ukraine
“There were brand new duvets, clothing for adults and children, shower gel and other toiletries and so many nappies. It was just incredible. People just want to help.”
Mike, together with his mum Janet and pub staff Jonathan James and Alex Wardenar, worked for 16 hours to organise and package up donations.
Then, using a van belonging to brewery Joseph Holt, the goods were taken to a drop off point in Rochdale.
Donations received which will be sent to help people in Ukraine
Mike added: “The customers and local community could not have responded better – especially in providing so much brand-new stuff.
“They all went well above and beyond what we were hoping for, and we could not be more grateful.”
Andrew Kershaw, area manager for family-run Manchester brewery Joseph Holt, drove the van to Rochdale, and he says the work at the Cat and Lion reflected how much the firm’s pubs wanted to help.
Donations received which will be sent to help people in Ukraine
“We are a family run business, and our pubs are often at the heart of the community,” he commented.
“There is such a strong desire to reach out and help other families and communities during this humanitarian crisis.
“We will continue to do everything we can to play our part.”
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