One year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Advertiser has taken a look back at some of the ways in which Helensburgh and Lomond's communities sprung into action to help those affected by the war.

In March, Rhu and Shandon Parish Church organised a drop off for clothing donations - the first in a string of events hosted by the church to support the nation.

Sugar Boat in Helensburgh held a charitable donation day on March 10, donating £1 to the Disaster and Emergency Committee’s appeal for every tea or coffee bought.

The restuarant also matched each £1 donated, raising a total of £500 on the day.

Cardross resident Hannah MacLachlan, owner of BabyMac, joined forces with the Scottish Preloved Baby Box Appeal to provide supplies for infants.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The organisers of Rhu and Shandon Parish Church's drop-off said more than a tonne of clothing was donatedThe organisers of Rhu and Shandon Parish Church's drop-off said more than a tonne of clothing was donated (Image: Tom Watt)

Hannah set up a link which allowed people to donate a baby sleeping bag to Ukraine. For each bag donated, BabyMac provided another. 

In April, Louise Burnet hosted a community sing-along which raised £1,230.

Later that month, Burgh carer Alicja Tomar also gathered dry foods, sweets, and colouring books to send to refugee sites in Poland.

Rosneath's Autumn Brown organised a fundraiser in April for ReactAid - an aid organisation set up by Ewen Cameron, who is orginally from the village.

his was the first in a number of local fundraisers for Ewen's efforts, with the Olde Christmas Shoppe also running a raffle for ReactAid later in the year.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Ewen Cameron and Autumn BrownEwen Cameron and Autumn Brown (Image: Autumn Brown)

Hermitage Academy pupils accepted donations for blue and yellow ribbons in May, raising almost £1,000 for those in need.

Later in the year, Ukrainian refugee Alina Atrepieva, who is being hosted by a Burgh family, helped design a poster for a fundraising concert at Helensburgh Parish Church.

The church raised more than £11,000 for the cause through various events during the year - and is hoping to add more from the proceeds of a coffee morning next weekend.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Alina Atrepieva and her poster for the church's concertAlina Atrepieva and her poster for the church's concert (Image: Alina Atrepieva)

Various other events have taken place in the area throughout the year to support those affected by the conflict, with more events planned in the coming months.

If you are planning fundraiser, get in touch with us by contacting editorial@helensburghadvertiser.co.uk.