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Herts woman's global aid charity reaches £10 million milestone

A former World Jewish Relief staffer is helping the needy in countries from Moldova to Uganda

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Rosalind Bluestone set up Goods for Good three years ago to supply refugees in camps worldwide with essential items.

Now the charity the Borehamwood resident runs single-handedly has reached the £10 million milestone in donated goods - and supported one million people in need.

“I had worked for World Jewish Relief for 12 years helping to deliver its humanitarian aid projects,” Mrs Bluestone, 63, explained. “I just knew I couldn’t sit around and watch what was happening to refugees all over the world.

“We send fit-for-purpose goods to refugees who need them, things such as nappies, shoes and bedding.”

The charity has co-ordinated donations from 65 UK companies, sending almost 200 consignments to countries including Ukraine, Moldova, Israel, Syria, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

“A camp in Erbil [Iraqi Kurdistan] was able to set up a football team with the products we sent them. It is small thing but it makes a difference.”

Brands such as Harrods, Regatta, Nike and Next have contributed overstocked products.

“Instead of sending these goods to landfill, they go to children and their parents in desperate need of the basics to live.”

Yet there were many more people in urgent need of support. “To think of mothers without blankets or nappies for their babies is unimaginable.” 

Goods for Good also engages with schools and community centres and holds interfaith volunteer days to promote its aid efforts.

“We work with anyone who wants to help. The thing we need more of is funding,” Mrs Bluestone added.

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