A former student from Welling, who now teaches in Poland, has been left “heartbroken” after seeing kids arrive “empty-handed” from Ukraine.
Robb Lewis, an English teacher of 20 years, says he wants to help others after seeing "thousands of children" being affected by the war.
The 49-year-old explained the “devastation” of seeing children arrive from Ukraine to Poland without any clothing or personal items.
As a result, Robb decided to help children in need by donating backpacks that includes essential sanitary items.
He told the News Shopper: “It's not their fault to be caught up in this mess.
“They’re all arriving empty-handed, and some with just plastic bags, you can see that they’re all scared.
“The kids are looking for simple things like a chocolate bar which is easily accessible for us.
“So, I just wanted to give to them what I have access to.”
Robb first moved to a small village in Poland with his wife and he set up a school to teach younger children.
He explained how he has always had a passion to teach and help children over the world since leaving his home in Welling 15 years ago.
Robb has so far raised £3,000 through his JustGiving page to help him fund items for the backpacks.
He added: “We’re all trying to do our best in our small Polish community to help children.
“There are free community centres which give children lessons for around three to four hours a day to keep them occupied and entertained.
“We were also able to donate to a shelter which had around 60 to 70 people who arrived from Ukraine.
“It was amazing to see their faces light up when we gave them things like crayons, chocolate, and teddy bears.”
Robb says he now has plans to donate more backpacks to children and he has 50 backpacks ready to be sent.
He urges anyone to help children by providing them a future in the “most difficult times”.
Click here to donate.
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