Happy 6th Birthday to The Scrubbery.

It is hard to believe that it is six years since Rosie anticipated the critical PPE shortage in the first wave of the Covid pandemic. What an incredible journey it has been. From modest beginnings in a church hall, none of us envisaged that The Scrubbery would grow into a far-reaching humanitarian organisation, supporting healthcare workers, vulnerable communities, school children and, most urgently, those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Making a difference together

Since our founding, items that volunteers have produced and distributed include:

• Over 26,500 scrubs

• Thousands of masks, hats, gowns and laundry bags

• Over 2,400 wellbeing bags for healthcare workers.

Every item reflects thousands of hours of care, skill and generosity from our volunteers and donors.

Standing with Ukraine

Support for Ukraine has been at the heart of our work throughout 2025. In response to direct requests from Ukrainian hospitals, military units and officials, we have sent: 

• Large-scale shipments of medical supplies and NHS surplus goods.

• Adapted clothing for injured patients including 300 cast socks as well as specialist garments plus thousands of knitted and sewn items for children and families.

• Hospital beds, incubators, wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment.

• 17 camouflage nets, 2,400 trench candles, tools, electronics and seasonal supplies.

These deliveries are made possible through trusted partners including Medical Lifelines Ukraine, Pickups for Peace and Embrace Me, often working in frightening and dangerous conditions.

Messages of thanks from Ukrainian hospitals remind us that this aid brings, not only practical help, but the knowledge that people care and want to help in any way that they can.

Since the last newsletter we have received more such messages, here are a few extracts:

“From the very first days, when they saw how much help you were sending to Ukraine — how much was sent to Andriy while he was still in the hospital, and later to our family — they watched it all with tears in their eyes.

They read the posts, looked at the photos and videos, and simply could not believe that there are people in this world with such big hearts, so ready to help so sincerely and selflessly.

It truly feels unbelievable.

And at the same time, it gives faith.

Faith in people.

Faith in kindness.

Faith that we are not alone.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts

For the warm parcels.

For the warm words.

For the warm hugs, even across the distance.

Together, we really are strong “

Today my husband finally received the parcel — yes, your tea ☕

He is at his position, it’s –18°C outside, and he said:

👉 “This tea warms better than any heater!” 😅

He sends a huge thank you.

He said it’s not just tea — it’s a morale booster and a reminder that even in such freezing cold, someone cares.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

The situation is truly critical — both on the frontline and in the cities.

We have friends in Kyiv and Lviv who are now living without electricity, water and heating.

Pipes have frozen, some buildings are flooded.

This cruel war is destroying everything it touches — people, homes, normal life.

But at the same time, your message shows something very important:

Ukraine is not alone.

This support, this unity, this help — it gives us strength to endure and to keep going.

Wellbeing, Outreach and Community

The Scrubbery has continued its commitment to UK-based wellbeing and education. Activities included:

• The production of wellbeing bags for NHS staff and junior doctors.

• Talks and workshops at medical conferences on creativity, sustainability and resilience.

• Creative outreach events and sewing club for children.

• Running and maintaining the Oasis Academy Putney Library, including raising money for new reading and topic books. Scrubbery volunteers offer 1 on 1 reading time with children in the school.

• Scrubbery volunteers also help with outdoor learning at the school.

• Fundraising initiatives such as concerts and film nights.

• Ongoing support for foodbanks and community partners, in particular collecting overbakes from Gail’s as part of our sustainability initiatives.

Friendship Across Borders
A significant event was the establishment of a school twinning partnership between Oasis Academy Putney and School No.73 in Lviv, facilitated by The Scrubbery. As well as sending English books for their library, this initiative led to regular virtual exchanges and a ten day educational visit to London by a group of Ukrainian pupils and their teachers. The celebration of international friendship was symbolised by the creation and presentation of a Friendship Quilt, designed and completed by Rosie, containing squares decorated by volunteers and Oasis pupils. This visit was only possible because of the kindness and generosity of the Scrubbery team and our local community partners who donated meals, accommodation, money, time and energy to the visit.

Another international project was the collection and donation of books to Zanzibar.

Rosie approached “Dress a Girl Around The World” and asked if they sent to Ukraine. They didn’t because they had no contacts there. Rosie now takes their aid and sends it to Ukraine via our usual partners, alongside the children’s clothes that we make.

Our Volunteers

None of this would be possible without our extraordinary volunteers—over 200 people giving their time, skills and love. From sewing and knitting to packing, driving, organising and simply being there for one another, every contribution matters. We remember with sadness those we have lost this year, whose dedication still inspires us.

Thanks also to the Parish of Putney for allowing us to continue being part of our Parish Charity,

This newsletter would not be complete without a tribute to Rosie herself. Without her creativity, talent, energy, organisational skills and extraordinary ability to make a plan and implement it, none of this would have happened. In Rosie’s words we will continue to “Do everything we can, where we are, with what we have.”

Thank you for being part of the journey

Note that the Scrubbery has switched email services to Buttondown for these newsletters. You should not notice any difference, but do let us know if there is anything strange.