A second-hand goods sale to help support the those hurt by the war in Ukraine will be held later this month, and the public have been asked to come forward to take part.

The Ukraine Shopping fair, organised in collaboration with the Bermuda Red Cross, is set to be held at the Botanical Gardens between 10am and 3pm on May 22.

A spokeswoman for the organisers said: “We are reminded daily that the horrors of this war and the issues confronting the aid workers helping on the ground, require vast amounts of money in aid, whether helping people fleeing their homes, helping the injured or providing a bed for the millions of homeless.

“We are asking the community of Bermuda to come together at this event and have the opportunity to donate to the Red Cross to help Ukraine, whilst having fun and a good clear-out at the same time.”

The spokeswoman said they would be inviting members of the public to bring second hand household goods or homemade goods to sell out of their cars, while small businesses and artists will be invited to sell their items as well.

“Funds will be raised for the Bermuda Red Cross Ukraine Relief Fund by asking those selling to pay for a space for their car, from where they can sell out of their trunk,” the spokeswoman said.

“We will also invite those sellers to donate some – or, hopefully, all – of their sale proceeds to the Bermuda Red Cross.

“It will be a great opportunity to clear out your garage or basement and at the same time to give to an excellent cause.”

The event will also include music, food vendors and children's entertainment to create a “fun, street-party atmosphere”.

Those who are interested in selling goods on the day need to preregister and purchase a “pitch” on P-Tix.

The spokeswoman also urged groups like schools and clubs to come together to create art or baked goods which could be sold at the event to help raise money for the Ukraine Red Cross Relief Fund.

She said: “In order to make this a more attractive proposition, we are waiving P-Tix registration fees for schools and clubs.

“In other words, for schools and clubs, their sales pitch will be free on the day and at no cost – gather your besties and sell your cookies and items for a great cause.”

Members of the public can also donate directly to the relief fund at the Bermuda Red Cross website.

Ann Spencer-Arscott, executive director of the Bermuda Red Cross, said yesterday that just over $420,000 had been raised so far through the campaign and $405,000 had already been sent to the British Red Cross.

She said: “This fundraiser in Botanical Gardens is being organised by an amazing group of women who wanted to do something.

“This event allows people to get rid of stuff from their homes and give the funds raised to Bermuda Red Cross Ukraine disaster appeal. Very creative.

“The people of Bermuda have been extremely generous and we are very grateful for the trust places in us to ensure the funds get to the right place to help the right people.”

Ms Spencer-Arscott added that of the funds received, 1.6 per cent goes towards banks and foreign exchange chargers, while the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent takes 7 per cent to cover administrative costs of managing the appeal.

She said: “Hand on heart I can say 91.4 per cent goes to the work of assisting those still in Ukraine and those who have fled to surrounding neighbours.”

For more information about the fundraising event, visit its Facebook and Instagram pages @ukraineshoppingfair or e-mail youcanforukraine@gmail.com.