A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched in Reading for financial donations to help Ukrainians caught up in the conflict.
The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre in Sidmouth Street has been completely overwhelmed with generous donations of food, clothes, medical items and other gifts in kind in recent weeks.
Following direct discussions with representatives of the Community Centre - Councillor Eden is calling for residents to support the centre with financial donations to help with the costs of sending aid to Ukraine and to prepare them for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Reading.
Reading Mayor Councillor Rachel Eden set up the Mayoral Appeal on Wednesday, March 16 after meeting Ukrainians in Reading on Sunday.
The money raised in the Mayoral Appeal will go directly to the Community Centre to enable it to support fellow Ukrainians in any way it can.
Mayor Councillor Rachel Eden said: “The empathy and generosity of people in Reading has once again shone through in recent weeks, which is absolutely no surprise to me. I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has been quite taken aback by the sheer scale of physical donations, so much so that they had to temporarily ask people to stop bringing items. Sadly, shipments are also becoming more difficult and dangerous to deliver.
“While many of us have already given to national appeals, such as the Disasters Emergency Committee, I know that many people also want to help locally, which is why I have launched this Mayoral Appeal today. The Ukrainian Community Centre will make best use of these donations and the money will allow them to be flexible in the support they give to Ukrainians who need help.
“Reading is a City of Sanctuary not only in name, but in our actions. I know Reading will - as we always do - stand ready to welcome people, and I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre will be vital in making that happen.
“We are very lucky to have this Community Centre in Reading. I know that household budgets are undeniably stretched at this time, but Reading’s Ukrainian community know that every donation however small will come from the heart, from friends and neighbours. Reading stands with Ukraine, now and in the difficult months to come.”
You can also support our fundraising campaign to help the people of Ukraine.
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