The Ukraine Aid Appeal, sponsored by the Leeds Charity Lunch, is now its way to Ukraine.
Four vans with around 5,000 shoeboxes have left Leeds Irish Centre and are on their way to be donated to children and adults in Ukraine, thanks to local donations and volunteers.
Children from the local area have donated their own toys and written letters in both English and Ukraine in hopes of providing some emotional support to those in the country.
Organised by founder of Vulnerable Citizens Support, Haydn Jessop and fellow volunteer John Gibbons, the pair collaborated with the Leeds Irish Centre's Business Men and Women's Charity Lunch to find more vans to help transport the donations over into Europe.
John Gibbons and Haydn Jessop. / Image: Leeds Irish Centre
Volunteer John Gibbons said in a video from Leeds Irish Centre: "it's just been something that came out of the blue" and spoke of the situation in Ukraine. "We decided to do something about it we got our volunteers together and this is it", pointing to the vans ready to take over the donations.
It is expected that the vans will reach Ukraine early next week, with an anticipated journey time of between five and a half and six full days of travelling.
Before the volunteers left with the donations, Cannon Eugene Mcguilicuddy led a blessing, thanking "the hospitality of the Irish Centre and the hospitality of the great people of Leeds here and the general public".
Image: Leeds Irish Centre
Leeds United legend Rob Burrow MBE and father Geoff Burrow attended the event to 'wave off' the donations. Excited to be a part of this initiative, Geoff Burrow spoke at length on behalf of himself and his son about the cause:
"It's important to the world, what's happening and its initiatives like this that mean so much to me.
"To be going over to Ukraine and delivering these boxes, these shoe boxes, which is a brilliant initiative, shows the kindness of Leeds Irish Centre and Leeds Charity Lunch.
"The things that they do for people, they never stop- it's quite breathtaking how kind they are."
Father of the former-Leeds United player added, "In five and a half days, maybe six days they'll be over there and it wont be such a nice day like it is today so god bless" and tweeted a good luck message later that day.
We were privileged yesterday to be invited to the wonderful Leeds Irish Centre and wave off 4 vans full of love and items for the brave people of Ukraine. Leeds at its very best đsafe journeys and God Bless Ukraine đșđŠ people x
The Shoebox Appeal is still continuing to collect donations to send to Ukraine. At present, any donations are encouraged but clothing, toiletries, toys, supportive letters from children and first aid will be particularly welcomed.
Donations should be dropped off at the Leeds Irish Centre and the organisation is also able to help provide more information about the cause to those that need it.
Feature Image- Leeds Irish Centre
News
Huge international girl group tipped for reunion tour after teasers from big UK arenas
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you havenât already guessed it from the thumbnail, weâll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returningâŠ
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; theyâve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to âloosen up their buttonsâ.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldnât have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, âDonât Cha Wish you knew who weâre announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)â, it didnât take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things werenât already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dollsâ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, âPCD Foreverâ, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, âReactâ, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadnât heard much else since â until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but weâll find out very soon.
A bar in Leeds is serving ÂŁ1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of ÂŁ1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a ÂŁ1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for ÂŁ10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
Sophie Smith -
15th April 2022 
