A MONMOUTH-based group has dispatched a 40 foot freight container filled with donated supplies to Syria as part of an ongoing scheme to aid refugees.

iNeed collected donations from the people of Monmouthshire at drop-off points across the county, sorting and storing the supplies at a facility in Caldicot before shipping the container last week (25th November).

The pallets of humanitarian aid were loaded onto the container at Hicks Logistics Ltd depot in Caldicot, with the help of Hicks Logistics employees and iNeed volunteers.

Simon Hicks, transport manager for Hicks Logistics said: “We were approached a few weeks ago by iNeed who initially wanted to use some pallets and packing materials to help with their shipment which we were more than happy to do.

“After this it became clear that they needed some help with loading a container of goods that were bound for the refugees in Syria. As we offer container loading as part of our services we were keen to assist iNeed free of charge.

“The situation that the refugees are in is horrendous to imagine, especially at this time of year and we are pleased to help out in whatever small way we can.”

Natasha Cadman, the founder of iNeed said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the people of Monmouthshire for all the donations and support we’ve received. Through fundraising we raised £600 towards the cost of the container.

“Alongside this we have started a network with other action groups in the south of the UK who have donated supplies after they heard we were sending out a container.”

To get involved, and for more information, visit iNeed’s website at www.refugeesineed.org.uk