A CHARITY supporting the people of Ukraine has created a special winter wonderland at Castlepoint.

Ukraine Relief has transformed its hub at the shopping centre into a festive wonderland in a push for more donations this winter.

From December 1, members of the public are being encouraged to visit the warehouse with donations of Christmas gifts that the charity can send over to Ukraine.

As part of the festive theme, a special present wrapping zone has been introduced in the warehouse, allowing visitors to drop off presents for Ukrainians and have them wrapped.

People are also being encouraged to get involved with making gift-filled shoe boxes.

READ MORE: Ukraine Relief calls for donations in Christmas appeal

Karol Swiacki, the founder of Ukraine Relief, said: “We are a charity for Ukrainian people and we decided together with Castlepoint that we would like to give something back to the local community.

“So we’ve gathered the teams and we’ve managed to decorate the hall. At the same time, we are collecting shoeboxes and presents for the children of Ukraine for their Christmas, which is on January 7.

“We are still collecting donations from Ukraine out the back but here in the front we would like to welcome everybody from our community, from the Army of Hope, Ukraine Relief and Castlepoint Team, so we are making the shoe boxes and packing presents for people, wrapping them for some donations for Ukrainian families to help them survive the winter. We are investing in generators as well.

“After December 16 we are going to have some special action for the local children as well. A few of the presents are going to go to the children from us because we are helping the Ukrainians over time but we would like to send a lovely message to thank the local community for their donations.”

Ukraine Relief, which was first launched as Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine in February, has already been behind an overwhelming number of donations for Ukraine.

It has remained as Bournemouth’s main fundraiser for the war torn country and has been supported by many global companies.

Sophie McPherson, marketing executive at Castlepoint, said: “Castlepoint are proud to continue partnering with Ukraine Relief especially over the festive period, in the Christmas centre next to JD Sports, we will be wrapping shoppers gifts for a small donation to raise crucial funds this winter for Ukraine relief.

"We are also running family friendly arts and crafts on key dates in December.”

For more information visit castlepointshopping.com.